In a local criminal sexual abuse case, lawyer Aaron Biber had pled guilty to having sex with a 15 year old boy. Under Minnesota law, he’s entitled to a sentencing hearing before the judge imposes the sentence.
The purpose of the hearing is for both the prosecution and the defense to present evidence about the accused and/or crime …
It’s easy to think that judges run courtrooms. After all, when they enter the public stands up, sits when they say it’s okay to do so, and lets them make decisions about vital aspects of our lives. Unspoken communication is important also. People ask the judge what he wants, they stop speaking if the judge starts talking, and …
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Mark Bowden speak at William Mitchell Law School in St. Paul. As you may recall, Mark is the author of Black Hawk Down about the U.S. military’s defeat in Mogadishu in Somalia. It was also made into a film starring the Minnesota actor, Josh Hartnett.
Mr. Bowden’s most …
I’m thrilled to tell my friends that my book, Reprisal, is out in print!! It took over two years to write it, work with my publisher North Star Press, re-write it, edit it, proof it, work with the cover designer, design the back cover copy, and wait… But it’s finally done.
People often ask me what it’s …
Local journalist, Laurie Hertzel, has written an entertaining book about what it’s like to be a journalist–whether you wanted to be one or not! Her new book, News to Me, published by the University of Minnesota Press is a recounting of her backward entry into the fast-paced world of newspapers.
Although she hasn’t specifically covered crime or courtroom …
With the shrinking budgets of most state and local governments, the prosecution and defense functions in the courtrooms are threatened. Across the country, most prosecutors are funded by the local counties, while public defenders are increasingly funded by the states. Both functions are jeopardized.
At first, it seems obvious we need to support the prosecution function. After all, …
I’m thrilled because my new book Reprisal will be published September 1 and available for purchase in early September.
It’s a thriller/mystery about an undiscovered crime–terrorists plan to use American children as weapons of mass destruction. Do you remember all the Somali young men who disappeared from the Twin Cities in the past two years? They were kidnapped …
Where do you want me to send your free book?