Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Forced Empathy

As I've noted here and there on blog posts since becoming a Defense Attorney six years ago, one of the things that I think I've gained on this side of the bench is a better grasp of empathy towards those accused of crimes.  When I was a prosecutor, I never got Mark Bennett's frequent assertion on his blog that every prosecutor should have to spend some time in jail to gain a full appreciation for what criminal defendants go through.  I still think Mark's position is a little extreme, but I understand his point.

Too often those who enforce the law and the punishment associated with breaking the law don't quite get the human effect that comes along with punishment.

And then something like this happens that kind of makes those who enforce the law have to feel the consequences of breaking the law . . .


Oops.

(H/T & Photo Credit to Mark Thering)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you really think a government worker gives a rat's ass about his county ride?

Anonymous said...

YES! Trust me. He/She will be paying to get that car back, I assure you!

Anon 8:47 said...

Anon 9:12,

My bad you are so right. I remember when the ADA "Flex-Timers" would drive 45 minutes from home to downtown just to get a free tank of county gas. WTF was I thinking!

Anonymous said...

Does this mean they'll start ticketing all the cops who take up spaces between the courthouse and the jail and think that putting their jacket over their steering wheel entitles them to park for free?

Not Braveheart said...

LOL 9:27! That reminds me of a former CCA clerk who regularly did that. He always had the police scanner on and a .45ACP strapped on but never made a scene……….crime scene that is.

Episode Seven: The Voters Awaken - A One Act -Sci-Fi Play

SCENE:  The Death Star orbits over Downtown Houston. [INTERIOR] The Imperial Council Chambers. EMPRESS OGG sits at the head of a long table ...