1.23.2014

Josh Brent Trial Update




I was first curious as to how this was even admissible. I mean, what is the relevance of what happened to other people in other cases?

But the defense angle, I believe, is that the probation department has a specialized program of treatment for Intoxication Manslaughter cases. How effective that program is would certainly depend on the number of people undergoing that treatment. If the number is one, a second person would certainly get specialized treatment. If there were 2,000, not so much.  Bottom line: The number is relevant.

Practically speaking, a juror can now argue in the jury room that 34 other people have received probation so why shouldn't Josh Brent.

And from earlier . . .