re: #240 Gus

Wait. This is all still pre-trial?

Yes.

Part of the pre-trial was a review to see if some or all the confinement was unlawful. It was determined to be so and a bit over 100 days will be applied to the sentencing. In some ways I’m ok, with that, in others I think it should have been closer to 600 days and a couple of people in the system need reviewed and maybe removed.

I think Manning was a jerk who violated the law. At the same time I think a lot of excessive punitive action was done, violating both letter and spirit of our judicial system. I sort of get the impression that the agents of the government have only recently recalled that everything, not just the conviction and sentence, can get reviewed by the SCOTUS. It’s caused some sudden changes in behavior, not least is finally getting the trial process underway.

It’s another Roper situation. I hate them, but understand their necessity.

William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law!
Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?
William Roper: Yes, I’d cut down every law in England to do that!
Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned ‘round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man’s laws, not God’s! And if you cut them down, and you’re just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I’d give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety’s sake!