DA Wants to Limit Bar's Authority to Punish Prosecutors
Santa Clara County District Attorney Dolores Carr recognized the "win at all costs" culture of her office when she began her job. What's she done about it?
It was recently revealed that Santa Clara prosecutors hoarded hundreds of videotapes of sexual assault examinations provided by hospital staff but never turned over to the defense. Prosecutors are under investigation (and one has been scolded) by the state bar for withholding evidence (including an expert witness' conclusion) in other cases. Granted, many of the transgressions predated Carr's election to office in 2007, but Carr's claim that she's taking steps to change the office culture is not reassuring.
[more ...]
Carr responded to outside criticisms of prosecutors' conduct, including state disciplinary attention, by assuring a gathering of county prosecutors last week that none of them was going to be "thrown under a bus" and that she was actively trying to limit the state bar's authority to punish errant prosecutors.
Does Carr really believe that limiting the authority to discipline cheaters is an effective strategy for changing an office culture that condones cheating?
| < Future Stimulus Add-Ons Not Subject To 60 Vote Requirement? | Approval Ratings > |
