Criminal Law and Policy News and Events for the University of Arizona Community

Jamie Lynn Spears and Statutory Rape

Interesting article here.

TPD Website Hacked

Story here.

Mark your Calendars: National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' Annual Meeting, in Tucson, Feb. 20-23, 2008.

Information here.

Court Refuses to Exclude Witnesses in Border Patrol Prosecution

Story here.

New U.S. Attorney for the District

From the Arizona Daily Star: "After waiting nearly a year, Diane Humetewa was confirmed late Thursday by the U.S. Senate as Arizona's next U.S. attorney, the first American Indian to hold such a post.

Humetewa was recommended last January by U.S. Sens. Jon Kyl and John McCain to replace Paul Charlton, one of eight U.S. attorneys nationwide fired in a Justice Department purge.

Despite the recommendation from two prominent and powerful Republican senators, President Bush didn't move forward with her nomination until last month.

Humetewa, a member of the Hopi tribe, has been a senior litigator and a tribal liaison for the U.S. Attorney's  Office. She declined to comment about the confirmation before she has taken her oath of office."  Full story here.

Death Row Inmate's Lawyers Claim Evidence Faked

Story here.  Larry Hammond, lawyer for the defendant, has a great reputation, and he must have a substantial basis to make such a claim.

New Jersey Capital Punishment

An email from a reader: "In case you have not yet heard, New Jersey is on the verge of repealing the death penalty.  The major hurdle was the Senate, which today narrowly voted in favor of legislation that would repeal the law.  The measure is expected to easily pass on Thursday in the General Assembly, which tilts nicely in favor of the Democrats, 50-30; Governor Corzine has long wanted to get rid of capital punishment.  Here's the Times article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/nyregion/11death.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

NM, MD, NE and MT this year saw repeal measures narowly defeated.  Perhaps 2008 will see the winds of repeal blow westward!"