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Soft Judges

By TChris, Section Media
Posted on Mon Feb 18, 2008 at 09:01:22 PM EST
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A San Antonio lawyer criticizes the local media for complaining that judges who follow the law are "soft on crime":

The media destroyed [Judge Pat Priest's] political career when he lowered numerous ridiculously high bail amounts set by a magistrate judge in clear violation of the Constitution. Though he did what the law and his duty required, the media criticized him mercilessly as a "soft" judge who "let criminals out of jail."

"Soft on crime" is usually a code for "follows the law." Why don't editorialists complain when judges are soft on the Constitution?

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    Soft Judges | 6 comments (6 topical)

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    Because (none / 0) (#1)
    by oldpro on Mon Feb 18, 2008 at 09:04:48 PM EST
    they don't know the difference?

    In my view, a judge frequenlty (none / 0) (#4)
    by oculus on Mon Feb 18, 2008 at 09:40:41 PM EST
    takes the fall as "soft on crime" after agreeing to a plea bargain the DDA was willing to sign up for due to weaknesses in the case.  

    Pat Priest? (none / 0) (#5)
    by Steve M on Mon Feb 18, 2008 at 09:52:33 PM EST
    What case do I remember him from?  Tom DeLay?

    Why? Because, . . . (none / 0) (#6)
    by Doc Rock on Tue Feb 19, 2008 at 05:47:07 AM EST
    . . . this is how the Right Wing media wields its power to crush individuals as a fear tactic to scare others into compliance with their agenda.

    It is a bully's tactic redolent of the extortionist tactics of the protection racket.

    Of course, San Antonio's Home of Clear Channel . . (none / 0) (#7)
    by Doc Rock on Tue Feb 19, 2008 at 05:55:41 AM EST
    . . . Communications which has been involved in such bullying campaigns, although they may have "turned over a new leaf"  now that Mitt Romney's bought into them? ;-)

    Soft (none / 0) (#8)
    by Claw on Tue Feb 19, 2008 at 09:39:30 AM EST
    In my experience soft on crime is usually code for "deigns to consider the idea that the accused are innocent until proven guilty and deserve a compent defense."  But you couldn't have said it better:  Soft on Crime = Follows the Law.

    Soft Judges | 6 comments (6 topical)

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