Judge Recuses Herself from Ersland's Trial

[Mitch H.]

I guess it depends on your perspective.......

This kind of thing, i.e. discussions between lawyers without full disclosure, happens all the time despite what lawyers may tell you.

I guess I would define "shenanigans" as something unusual.

I see this as simply human nature.

Michael Brown

Perhaps it is human nature to break the rules. However, our judicial system, along with it's set of rules, is supposed to be unbiased and impartial. One of the ways this is assured is for both parties to a case being present during any and all discussions before the judge.

I would not call Prater's actions shenanigans or human nature. I would call them what they are. Improper. Prosecutorial misconduct. A cause for possible censure ny the OBA.

 

[Shadowrider]

Hmmm....

The D.A., the Judge and the Judge's Boss having a meeting without the defenses knowledge? It definitely has the look of shenanigans.

I guess it depends on your perspective.......

This kind of thing, i.e. discussions between lawyers without full disclosure, happens all the time despite what lawyers may tell you.

I guess I would define "shenanigans" as something unusual.

I see this as simply human nature.

Michael Brown

Notice the key word here. It's highlighted above. I'm not saying something shady did actually happen, I wasn't there, but it just cries out foul...

 

[Poke78]

However, our judicial system, along with it's set of rules, is supposed to be unbiased and impartial.

Your use of "judicial" makes it appear you believe we have a "justice system". I'm sorry to disappoint you by relieving you of this misconception. We have a "legal system" to ensure the application of the law by following a certain process. There is no true "justice" in a human-administered system in this life. Real justice will have to wait for whatever higher power in which you place your faith.

 

[dammechanic]

Well, you got that straight. I have a feeling a LOT more is going to come out.

Allegations yesterday were that:

1. Prater has tape recordings, secretly recorded, of Bass-Lesure stating that certain defense counsel get preferential treatment in her courtroom.

2. Prater revealed said recordings possession to Bass-Lesure to "intimidate" her into recusing.

The implications affect the case AND the broader picture.

In the case, the defense (Box & Co.) are gonna make hay as much as possible for "prosecutorial misconduct" (alleged) for having made such a tape to begin with. Won't result in Bass-Lesure, known to be the most defense-oriented judge in the county (as she allegedly said, *IF* she likes your lawyer, that is), getting re-assigned, but it helps them to simply make the DA look bad and try the case in the public, and divert attention from the real issue, which is that facts of the case are very harmful to the defendant - the facts that all sure look like add up to murder, pretty clearly - gettin another gun, walking around, taking time before the second shooting, unloaded the whole gun into the dead guy, etc.

Shooting a dead person is Repugnant maybe illegal but not murder.

 

[Glocktogo]

It's beginning to sound like a few OKC legal types slept through ethics in law school.

 

[Michael Brown]

Notice the key word here. It's highlighted above. I'm not saying something shady did actually happen, I wasn't there, but it just cries out foul...

I agree with you.

It's waaaaaaay shady.

I'm just saying that the rules are broken so frequently in the judicial system that it's almost the M.O.

Michael Brown

 

[Nick710]

You know,Mike, it might be that way in the big counties, but out here in God's country, ex-parte communications with the trial judge will get you strung up. Our judges are very conscious of the ethical rules and will insure that counsel is too.

 

[liliysdad]

I think you would be surprised what goes on within chambers, ESPECIALLY in the smaller counties.

 

[vvvvvvv]

I think you would be surprised what goes on within chambers, ESPECIALLY in the smaller counties.

...and it's not just limited to lawyers and judges...

 

[Nick710]

I think you would be surprised what goes on within chambers, ESPECIALLY in the smaller counties.

I doubt it, I've practiced law for over 25 years in mostly small counties. Small county judges tend to be more particular about ethical matters and could care less about the politics of the judiciary. Several of my classmates are now on the bench and wouldn't tolerate the shennigans that go on in the Tulsa or Oklahoma county courthouses.