...When you see Gerry Spence take a case...
I found out about Gerry Spence when Karen Silkwood's death touched my life, but that's another story.
Spence says there aren't too many lawyers, there's just not enough of the RIGHT KIND of lawyers.
Also, did you know that 70% of jury decisions get reversed on appeals? Spence uses Silkwood as an example. And its something to think about next time you're on jury duty. The Silkwood case took the better part of a year, while 12 jurors listen to witnesses, personally handle evidence and listen to experts testify.
Then they meet in a room and come to a UNANIMOUS decision. All 12 MUST agree. They discuss what they think and saw, and make their decision based on all this. They awarded the Silkwood children $10 million and Kerr McGee appealed. I think its the 10th District court, the one in Denver anyway, that heard the appeal. 5 judges (politically appointed judges), READ THE TRANSCRIPT. no witnesses, nothing. They read the transcript and come to a MAJORITY (3 out of 5) decision. They don't even have to all agree! They reversed the jury's decision based on the appeal, knocked the money down to college for the kids or something.
Robert KERR was a US Senator then. I could go on, but I already have....
sorry, I didn't mean to go off on a rant there,... |
