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10-02-00
Hi Susan -
Anya Duke's problems are exactly what is wrong with our legal
system - the inmates are running the asylum (and the rules be
damned).
Item one: Drained her finances, and now can't find a shyster
to take her case, so is representing herself. Any lawyer will tell
you, an attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client.
But, drag nab it (as my great-grandmother's brother used to say), we have
a Constitutional right to due process (among other things), which you
cannot have without an attorney. Drained her finances, indeed.
Why, with the Bill of Rights as it stands (and a few other Amendments as
well) should anyone have to pay a lawyer? We have a Right to equal
access, a Right to equality under the law (Supreme Court bldg.
portico). The Pledge does not end with the words "who can afford
them."
Item two: In a court of law, you must swear to tell the
truth, "the whole truth..." How can you be told by a judge to shut
up? Can't tell her story? That's why she was there - to tell
her story! Jurors can't hear it? How is it possible for them
to decide a case they know almost nothing about? What in the world
were they in court for if there was nothing wrong with her that she could
talk about?
This is the most horrible example of a legal system run rampant
that I have ever heard - and I've been in this world a
while.
I know (in my head, but not in my heart) there's not much that can
be done to rein in the legal beagles and their fees (tho I know what
should be done, if only most of our lawmakers weren't lawyers
themselves). I can only feel for Anya Duke - and thank you for
writing her story.
Best... George Appleton, Las
Vegas
WORKING TOGETHER TO ATTAIN
FAIRNESS | 
