Ken Schram: Keep those shackles on
Okay, so the e-mails keep coming.
Too few to be a lot, but enough to catch my attention.
They're from people who say it's "mean and unnecessary" to insist that the man accused of killing Seattle Police Officer Tim Brenton has to be shackled during his upcoming court appearance.
Yeah, everyone knows that Christopher Monfort was paralyzed after he aimed a gun at officers and they were forced to shoot him.
Montfort's lawyer had asked he not be in shackles during his arraignment in order to avoid prejudicing his right to a fair trial.
The lawyer also asked that Monfort not be photographed in court.
The judge "tsked-tsked" the lawyer and ruled that the accused killer would not only have to be chained, he can also have his picture taken, as long as the shackles can't be seen.
At this point I feel compelled to advise the powers that be that I should not be called for jury duty in this case.
See, I've already come to a conclusion on Monfort's guilt or innocence.
I realize that's a serious breach of what my responsibilities as a juror would be, which is why I say, don't pick me.
Because I don't want to taint any other potential jurors, I'll refrain from saying what decision I've reached.
I'll just make the following observation: Authorities could chain this guy up in a Hannibal Lecter outfit as far as I'm concerned.
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Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.
Too few to be a lot, but enough to catch my attention.
They're from people who say it's "mean and unnecessary" to insist that the man accused of killing Seattle Police Officer Tim Brenton has to be shackled during his upcoming court appearance.
Yeah, everyone knows that Christopher Monfort was paralyzed after he aimed a gun at officers and they were forced to shoot him.
Montfort's lawyer had asked he not be in shackles during his arraignment in order to avoid prejudicing his right to a fair trial.
The lawyer also asked that Monfort not be photographed in court.
The judge "tsked-tsked" the lawyer and ruled that the accused killer would not only have to be chained, he can also have his picture taken, as long as the shackles can't be seen.
At this point I feel compelled to advise the powers that be that I should not be called for jury duty in this case.
See, I've already come to a conclusion on Monfort's guilt or innocence.
I realize that's a serious breach of what my responsibilities as a juror would be, which is why I say, don't pick me.
Because I don't want to taint any other potential jurors, I'll refrain from saying what decision I've reached.
I'll just make the following observation: Authorities could chain this guy up in a Hannibal Lecter outfit as far as I'm concerned.
---
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.