To the Editor: In a Feb. 24 Daily News op-ed, the special litigation attorney at New York County Defender Services, Rebecca Phipps argued that "A system truly devoted to the presumption of innocence cannot deprive individuals of their liberty based on mere allegations, or worse, predictions of future criminality." Really? So a suspected serial killer, or someone accused of trying to kill his wife or someone who has a record of violent offenses should be freed before trial?
Now Phipps has plenty of legitimate complaints against the so-called justice system. An innocent person or someone accused of a minor offense should certainly not lose housing and/or employment due to incarceration. Also, presuming dangerousness or guilt due to skin color is indefensible. And no one should be imprisoned simply because they can't afford bail.
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you have an active digital subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password, if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print-only subscriber, and want access to our website,click here to view your options for changing you subscription level.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |