JUSTICE BUILDING BLOG

WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL RICHARD E GERSTEIN JUSTICE BUILDING BLOG. THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO JUSTICE BUILDING RUMOR, HUMOR, AND A DISCUSSION ABOUT AND BETWEEN THE JUDGES, LAWYERS AND THE DEDICATED SUPPORT STAFF, CLERKS, COURT REPORTERS, AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WHO LABOR IN THE WORLD OF MIAMI'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE. POST YOUR COMMENTS, OR SEND RUMPOLE A PRIVATE EMAIL AT HOWARDROARK21@GMAIL.COM. Winner of the prestigious Cushing Left Anterior Descending Artery Award.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

...THEN THEY CAME FOR ME.

Remember Susan Estrich? Campaign manager for Michael Dukakis's presidential campaign in 1988? For that matter, remember Michael Dukakis? Governor of Massachusetts. His party's nominee for president. Faded into oblivion. Massachusetts politicians are 0-2 in presidential elections since 1988. Not good news for Mitt. Anyway, Susan Estrich appeared in court for Samsung at a hearing in the Northern District of California in Samsung's battle against Apple. Problem is, Estrich is not admitted to the Northern District of California's Bar.  Ooops. 

With two days left to vote in our thoroughly unscientific poll, and with almost 800 votes, State Attorney Katherine Rundle has held a consistent 55%-45% lead over challenger Rod Vereen. 
Vote early. Vote often. 

Preseason football started Thursday night. Are you ready for some football Dolphin fans?

It takes about five years from the time a murder case is arraigned in Miami until it is tried, pled, or dismissed. In China, it took seven hours for the murder trial of Gu Kailai to begin and end. Gu is accused of killing British business man Neil Heywood in November, 2011. Ms. Gu is the wife of recently disgraced Chinese party leader Bo Xilai.  As the NY Times reports: 
Ms. Gu and her accomplice, Zhang Xiaojun, were deprived of their own legal counsel and forced to accept a government-appointed lawyer. No defense witnesses were produced during the trial. The defendants’ lawyers never had a chance to review the prosecution’s evidence.

Not quite Limited Registry stuff, but give Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature a few more months to catch up to the Chinese system. 
Meanwhile, in a Twilight Zone like twist of fate, Ms. Gu was once a respected lawyer in China who extolled the virtue of the Chinese criminal justice system in a book: 
"she ridiculed the American justice system as doddering and inept. “They can level charges against dogs and a court can even convict a husband of raping his wife,” she wrote.

By contrast, China’s system was straightforward and judicious. “We don’t play with words and we adhere to the principle of ‘based on facts,’ ” she wrote. “You will be arrested, sentenced and executed as long as we determine that you killed someone.”
Guess what Ms. Gu? They determined you killed someone and you will be executed because you live in a country that does not have due process and does not recognize the implicit value of an independent, well compensated attorney who has only your best interests at heart. Sort of like.....Florida? 

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Pastor Martin Niemoller, 1892-1984. 

Another summer weekend on tap. 

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good stuff Rump.

Anonymous said...

Why would anyone hire Estrich as a lawyer in serious litigation? What next? Greta Van Susterin arguing a patent appeal before the Spreme Court? On the subject of Bay State pols, they have been disproportionately represented in national elections. Calvin Coolidge and JFK were 20th century presidents. But they have gone 0-4 on major tickets since 1960. Here is the list:
1. Henry Cabot Lodge vp 1960 L
2. Sargent Shriver vp 1972 L
3. Dukakis 1988 L
4. John Kerry 2004 L
I study politics. I cannot figure why in God's name Nixon picked Lodge in 1960. Was Mass. In play? Ha! Maybe he wanted to secure the votes of the 500 people whose great great grandparents came over on the Mayflower? If they lived in Illinois, that might have been wise. To this day, it mystifies me.

DS said...

Does GU have to also pay for the bullet ?

Anonymous said...

Here's an article that shows how there is more gun violence where gun control is strictest and how the Bill of Rights is not a "bill of needs".

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/aug/9/gun-control-creates-victims/?page=all#pagebreak

Anonymous said...

Absentee Ballot Fraud Is Wrecking Democracy in Miami- Dade County By Luther Campbell Thursday, Aug 9 2012

President Barack Obama needs to send the Justice Department in to investigate the absentee ballot fraud that is wrecking democracy in Miami-Dade County. We can't trust Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle with any investigations because the scandal leads back to them. In fact, it took a private investigator named Joe Carrillo to expose the outright theft of votes committed by the absentee ballot brokers allegedly hired by politicians like Gimenez and Rundle.
C. Stiles
Deisy Cabrera
Miami-Dade Police
Deisy Cabrera

County public corruption detectives and the state attorney recently were forced to open a criminal probe after Carrillo, who says he has no connections to any candidates, gave them leads on two women, Deisy Cabrera and Matilde Martinez. The next day, while questioning the women, cops found that Cabrera was holding a dozen absentee ballots belonging to other voters.

After intense media scrutiny, Rundle finally arrested Cabrera last week on a third-degree felony of absentee ballot fraud and two misdemeanors for illegally possessing more than two ballots belonging to other voters. Rundle has recused herself from the case. She has a possible conflict of interest because her campaign manager, Al Lorenzo, also works for Gimenez's campaign. In past elections, Lorenzo has hired Cabrera to work for him.

Gimenez continues to deny the women were working for him or one of his political consultants. But what else do you expect him to say?

If the state attorney and the county's top elected official are relying on these brokers, who fill out the ballots of the elderly voters they prey on, you know the system won't get fixed anytime soon. This is another scandal that affirms we live in a banana republic. It reminds me of the rampant voter fraud that was uncovered in the 1997 Miami mayoral race, when even dead people were casting ballots.

The way things are going, we'll need Jimmy Carter to monitor the presidential election in November, because I imagine Mitt Romney has already paid bundles of cash to people like Cabrera and Martinez to seal the deal for him.

This debacle should motivate Miami-Dade residents to get off their butts and vote on Election Day. If not, they don't have the right to complain about the state of our Third-World government.

Anonymous said...

Looks like some early success in challenge to 17th Circuit's Limited Registry. Case is Brent Del Gaizo v. Chief Judge (case no. 4D12-2548), and 4th DCA ordered Chief Judge to reply in 20 days, to explain why Limited Registry is not unconstitutional under Makemson v. Martin County.

Anonymous said...

Where is white racist when you need them. You bigots are cowards and have let Tyrant style Cubans take over an entire city in this Country.

Angry Girl said...

I've had enough of the Olympics. The mens basketball team. Ooohh they're playing today. Who will win? It's sooo exciting. Give me an F'ing break. Why not have them play a wheelchair team as well? It will be just as close.

And these stupid competitions. Synchronized swimming and diving. Really? Why not have seafood races as well. Did the Greeks have synchronized swimming to prepare for war? And these fat weight lifters. Want to see them in five years after they retire? Go find their grave.

It's over hyped, over done, unamateur competitions that have totally lost the spirit of the Olympics.

It's classical music for me on radio tonight and a good book.

Anonymous said...

Rumpole,

When are you going to admit that you are that narcisistic windbag Milt Hirsch? I know. You gave your self away to me with the Tjoflat post and my response, which you would not publish. I got you and now everyone else knows too.

By the way you told me years ago about your obsession for Rumpole of the Old Bailey (the PBS series). Besides only you would be pompous enough to write a blog and criticize your brothers and sisters on the bench, while leaving yourself untouched and dare to liken yourself to Howard Roarke.

Anonymous said...

Cheerio Rump

($1 = 0.6373 British pounds)

Rumpole said...

I rarely do this (comment on accusations as to my identity) But HOW DARE YOU accuse Milt Hirsch as being me. You owe him an apology immediately for that. Shame on you.

Anonymous said...

Rumpole can't possibly be Milt Hirsch. His language is not obscure
enough.

Fake Kenny said...

A rare Friday Angry Girl comment. Be still my heart. Plus I just bought the new Porsche Panamara, but just for my weekend use- trips to Matsuri for toro, etc.

Anonymous said...

So basically Cubans talk, complain, about Fidel and come to America and emulate his policies,

Former Hialeah mayor’s uncle arrested in absentee-ballot fraud case

Sergio Robaina turned himself into authorities. He faces two felony voter-fraud charges.
Sergio Robaina
Sergio Robaina
By Patricia Mazzei and Enrique Flor
pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com

Sergio Robaina, the uncle of Hialeah’s former mayor, was arrested Friday as part of an expanding voter-fraud investigation and charged with tampering with at least two absentee ballots.

Robaina, 74, turned himself in to authorities. His nephew is former Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina.

Sergio Robaina was charged with two felony counts of voter fraud and two misdemeanor counts of violating a county ordinance by possessing more than two absentee ballots belonging to other people.

Robaina is the second ballot broker arrested as part of the investigation. Deisy Cabrera, 56, who collected at least 31 absentee ballots over two days, was charged last week with one felony count of filling out an absentee ballot and forging the signature of a terminally ill woman in a nursing home.

Robaina faces two felony charges related to filling out the ballots of a Hialeah man and his mother, who has dementia.

The latest case stems from 164 absentee ballots authorities say were dropped off at a post office by the woman who ran Miami-Dade Commissioner Esteban Bovo’s Hialeah district office.

Several voters whose ballots are among the 164 told reporters Thursday that they gave their ballots to Robaina, known as “e l Tío,” or “the Uncle.” People who know Robaina say he has collected absentee ballots for years.

Robaina has been implicated as one of three absentee-ballot brokers, known as boleteros, separate from Cabrera, involved in collecting the 164 ballots from voters.

Bovo said he had no knowledge his district office was being used as a central-collection center. He has not been questioned by police. His aide, Anamary Pedrosa, who collected the ballots and delivered them to the post office, is no longer working for Bovo. Her last day was July 27, two days after investigators believe she took the ballots to the post office at 2200 NW 72nd Ave.

“The truth and facts will reveal that neither I nor any other member of my staff utilized the Commission office for campaign purposes,” Bovo said in a statement Friday.

Pedrosa, who is cooperating with authorities, is not expected to be charged with any wrongdoing.

Bovo, a former Republican state representative and Hialeah city council member, said in his statement that he is “deeply disturbed that my name, or that my office, is being mentioned in the same breath of an absentee ballot investigation.”

“None of my County employees have been authorized or instructed to work on any of the local campaigns in this election,” he added.

Bovo, who was elected last year after the recall of former Commissioner Natacha Seijas, was automatically reelected without opposition to a full term this year.

In his statement, Bovo called Pedrosa’s actions “an isolated event by one individual.”

“Over the last 14 years, I have served my community and have strived to do so in a dignified and respectful manner,” he said. “A former employee’s actions are not indicative of the mission the residents of District 13 elected me to do.”

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/10/2944431_commissioner-disturbed-his-name.html#storylink=addthis#storylink=cpy

Anonymous said...

How about instead of all the angry gurl stuff, we have pissed off gay guy?

Anonymous said...

I hear Rumpole gets all the hot women-- isn't that right, Rumpy?

Anonymous said...

In my opinion, for what it is worth, here are my observations as to who Rump is:

Male,
Born in New York,
Went to an Ivy League (or close, say UVA) college,
Moved here to work for Janet Reno,
Has a subscription to the New York times,
A very moral person who abhors what the criminal justice system does with the poor,
Unmarried.

Listen Rump. Don't post this as I don't want to out you or otherwise cause someone to be accused as being you if I'm wrong. I just felt like writing these observations down. Keep up the good work buddy!

Anonymous said...

All you anti_Cuban bigots can suck my uncircumcised Cuban D--k!

Anonymous said...

Hey Angry Girl--- Did the Greeks have synchronized swimming to prepare for war?

I don't know, let me call Xena and Hercules and I'll find out.

Btw-- The ancient Olympics were rather different from the modern Games. There were fewer events, and only free men who spoke Greek could compete, instead of athletes from any country. Also, the games were always held at Olympia instead of moving around to different sites every time.

Anonymous said...

I'm calling the Shumie. Having have a scotch with my cigar, I usually keep it simple, a Johnny Black. Kicking back and imagining the girl of my dreams is in my arms and in my bed.

Rumpole said...

7:05- you forgot about my subscription to Le Monde.

Ray and Ray Ray said...

RAY: HELLLLLOOOOOOFIRSCO! And Miami. And Hialeah. I mean any city with Pink Flamingos cannot be bad. I am Ray and this is my partner....

Ray Ray: And I am Ray Ray.

Ray: And we are the Walkens...as in "I was Walkin behind some really hot guy on south beach just the other day."

Ray Ray: Now Ray, down doggie. Remember we're partners.

Ray: That's right. We're legal partners and life partners. Ooooogah!

Ray Ray: oooogah!

Ray: So you asked for us Miami and here we are. What is the deal with Angry Girl. I mean honey, if you got it, flaunt it. Don't be angry sweetie. Life is short so get yourself a guy....

Ray Ray:: Preferably a young guy....

Ray: Right on Ray Ray. So honey, get yourself a young guy and P A R T Y like its 1999.

Ray Ray: Oh Ray, that is so 1995.

Ray. Ooooogah!

Ray Ray: oooogah!! Sorry 5:11 we are gay, but we are happy. Not pissed off.

Ray: Pissed on maybe if you're lucky.... so here we are Miami. We're Gay, we're partners, we're legal and we're on your blog now. So deal with it.

Ray Ray: deal with it.

Ray. We love you Miami. See you in the funny papers.

Ray Ray: funny PINK papers that is.

Anonymous said...

Cuban + Opportunity =Fraud

Anonymous said...

I love the Olympics but I agree with Angry Gurl that they have been diluted with non-competitive events (although I myself enjoy watching the American basketball team annihilate Nigeria, Tunisia, etc.) and pseudo-sports. I'm waiting for Broadway dancing to make its debut as an Olympic sport the next time the U.S. hosts the Olympics--hopefully the Rockettes will still be around then.

Anonymous said...

I served on a Federal Grand Jury for six months at the Wilkie D. Ferguson. Cubans are the fraud experts.We indicted on Millions of Dollars in Medicare and Real Estate fraud. Now Boleteras & Bolateros. Why do you people complain about Fidel and most of you all are Tyrannical Heathens and cannot win or gain anything fair and square.

Anonymous said...

Happy B-day, Rumpole ;-)

Rumpole said...

Not for at least a few more months, but thanks.

Teebow ha ha ha ha ha said...

He led the Jets to a field goal and completed 4 of 8 passes for 27 yards with one interception, which translated to a passer rating of 18.2.

Anonymous said...

So they are honoring Jayson Taylor and Zach Thomas, phooey. Brian Cox was the exceptional player who was not honored by the dolphins why, because Brian Cox was to real for them, and when he found out they were offerig all the white players stock optoins in the team & none to the blacks he went off an they traded him. An he went to the Jets just to kick Miami's ass some more. I don't support Miami Dolphins for this reason.

Anonymous said...

I love when Miami get there ass's whooped, and I enjoy betting against the dolphins.

Anonymous said...

Tim Tebow the Mama's boy needs to get laid and shut the fuck up.

Anonymous said...

I got a Tip that Mitt Romney is going to select Paul Ryan for VP. Lmao! Plz select Paul Ryan Mitt, this is what I said in 07' when John Mcnasty selected Sarah Palin as VP two extremist rep. they're doomed.

CAPTAIN JUSTICE said...

The Captain Reports:

And your Republican VP is .....

PAUL RYAN.

Who is quoted as saying:

At an Atlas Society meeting celebrating Ayn Rand's life in 2005, Ryan said that "The reason I got involved in public service, by and large, if I had to credit one thinker, one person, it would be Ayn Rand",[23] and "I grew up reading Ayn Rand and it taught me quite a bit about who I am and what my value systems are, and what my beliefs are. It’s inspired me so much that it’s required reading in my office for all my interns and my staff."[24] In response to criticism from Catholic leaders, in 2012 Ryan distanced himself from Rand's Objectivist philosophy, telling National Review that while as a young man he became interested in economics because of her novels, "It’s a big stretch to suggest that a person is therefore an Objectivist... I reject her philosophy. It's an atheist philosophy. It reduces human interactions down to mere contracts and it is antithetical to my worldview. If somebody is going to try to paste a person's view on epistemology to me, then give me Thomas Aquinas. Don't give me Ayn Rand."[25]

From Wiki

Cap Out .....

Anonymous said...

Capt, you beat me to the punch I thought I would break the news and you already posted at 1:37. We'll I might as well give my two 25 cents:

I got a Tip that Mitt Romney is going to select Paul Ryan for VP. Lmao! Plz select Paul Ryan Mitt this is what I said in 07' when John Mcnasty selected Sarah Palin as VP two extremist Rep. they're doomed unless they can pull of a steal like W, or hire some Bolatera's. It's on no holding back from Joe this time because of a woman opponent now it is time for a battle Man to Man. Let's do battle republicans.
AM

Anonymous said...

Marco Stupido is a non factor and not even taken serious by Romney, he's young, dumb, and doesn't know shit. He should have been defeated by Charlie Christ, but we all know how that went down, thanks Kendrick for not conceding.

Secret Judge said...

It is blatantly unfair to suggest that the Cuban community has a monopoly on committing fraud. Equally offensive would be commentary that suggests Jews are pre-disposed to commit financial crimes or that Blacks are intrinsically disposed to commit crimes of violence. The Blog is correct to print these comments of racism, bigotry and discrimination within its confines. Such as it is, strongly suggests that the standards of those who today receive diplomas to practice law have sadly diminished.

Kissimmee Kid said...

The problem with Cubans is that they are people. People suck.

Anonymous said...

Rump

Maybe The Economist but not Le Monde. Also, a Democrat.