DNA, changed testimony gain acquittal; special prosecutor, FBI investigating controversial Illinois murder prosecution

Article Abstract:

Rolando Cruz recently went free in Chicago after three trials and 11 years on death row, thanks to a high-profile pro bono defense team created by Northwestern University law professor Lawrence Marshall. Cruz and Alejandro Hernandez were convicted of raping and murdering a 10-year-old girl, but the state had no motive and no physical evidence against Cruz. A police lieutenant's recantation of earlier testimony and new DNA tests implicating convicted murderer Brian Dugan in the rape contributed to Cruz's acquittal.

United States, Analysis, Cases, Investigations, Murder, Illinois, Criminal justice, Administration of, Administration of criminal justice, Cruz, Rolando

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Tort case raises ethical question; must lawyer reveal that his client may have stolen a gun from his law offices?

Article Abstract:

Attorney John Lewis was sued in Apr 1992 in Illinois for for failure to disclose a criminal deed resulting in murder by a client. The suit is based on Rule 1.6(b) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, which requires that an attorney disclose information about dangerous clients, even if harm is not imminent. The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct make such disclosure optional, if it would prevent imminent death or serious harm to others.

Standards, Ethical aspects, Legal ethics, Failure to warn (Law)

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Stalking laws proliferate; but critics say constitutional flaws also abound

Article Abstract:

Well-known stalking cases have impelled 26 states to pass stalking laws, however, critics claim these may be unconstitutionally vague. The Illinois law, which treats stalking as a Class 4 felony rather than a misdemeanor, is reputed to be one of the toughest. The Illinois law also contains stricter bail provisions applauded by possible victims and criticized by the criminal defense bar.

Laws, regulations and rules, Criminal procedure, Harassment (Law), Harassment

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