The LA Times has interesting piece which essentially posits that both the defense and Congress are being stonewalled in production of relevant information. Usually it’s only the defense. But even before the gavel comes down, two legal battles are underway to try to force the Army and the Department of…
In United States v. Eslinger, __ M.J. ___ (A. Ct. Crim. App. 14 May 2010), the court has set out a useful reminder in two areas: a military judge’s duty to instruct on all issues and the potential problem of defense waiver of instructions, and how to handle testimony that…
Here are some CAAF grants/issues that should resonate in the field. No. 10-0332/AF. U.S. v. Yolanda FLORES. CCA S31621. Review granted on the following issue: WHETHER TRIAL COUNSEL IMPROPERLY COMMENTED ON APPELLANT’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT THUS DEPRIVING APPELLANT OF A FAIR TRIAL. No. 10-0334/AF. U.S. v. Dennis R.…
Federal Evidence Review notes the following: In conspiracy to distribute controlled substances prosecution, physician-defendant could not assert that the medical records of his patients were subject to a doctor-patient privilege because the federal courts do not recognize this privilege under FRE 501, in United States v. Bek, 493 F.3d 790…
In United States v. Serianne, the CAAF affirmed an NMCCA decision that a Navy order to report civilian DWI/DUI convictions was unlawful and not enforceable at court-martial. Navy Times reports: The Navy’s self-reporting requirement for drunken driving arrests will fundamentally change as a result of a recent military court ruling,…
NMCCA denied Quintanilla’s petition in which he sought to have the court overturn the ruling of the military judge at his sentencing rehearing to the effect that Life Without Parole (LWOP) is not an authorized sentence in his case. Alternatively, the petitioner requested that this court direct the military judge…
The King James (UK) version of Proverbs 18-17 says: He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. The King James (Am.) version says: He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him. The…
The accused is charged with indecent assault on a complaining witness and rape on another complaining witness. Member: Sir I’m the unit victim advocate. Individual voir dire continues blah, blah, blah. Def: The defense objects on implied bias and liberal grant mandate. MJ: Explain why please. Def: Blah, blah, blah.…
There’s been lots of litigation about SORNA. But now, courtesy of Sentencing Law & Policy we learn that DOJ has some recommendations for amending SORNA. You will be interested to know that this morning the U.S. Department of Justice issued proposed supplemental guidelines modifying several requirements for compliance with SORNA.…
safeguardourconstitution reports that: “Obama Administration unleashes Army lawyers instead of releasing birth certificate.” This is shameful hyperbole and utterly incorrect. LTC Lakin is alleged to have committed offenses in violation of the UCMJ. The conduct alleged cuts to the very heart of military requirements of obedience to orders, fidelity to…