Bankest Verdicts

After almost a half a year in trial and 4 weeks of deliberations, the Bankest jury returned guilty verdicts against all defendants, who were taken into custody after the verdicts were read. Now the question is whether the Orlanskys will be punished more harshly for exercising their right to trial. This particular bank fraud trial has been dubbed the biggest in Miami's history. Here's the intro to the Herald article:

Eduardo and Hector Orlansky, the top officers of E.S. Bankest, each face up
to a maximum of 30 years in prison and substantial restitution for conspiring to defraud Espirito Santo Bank of Florida of some $170 million. The Orlanskys and E.S. Bankest manager R. Peter Stanham were taken into federal custody following the verdict Wednesday. The government argued they were potential flight risks because of their ties to other countries. The Orlanskys are from Argentina. Ariadna Puerto, another E.S. Bankest officer, was given home detention. U.S. District Judge Adalberto Jordan set sentencing for Nov. 17. Eduardo Orlansky stared straight ahead and showed no emotion as the jury foreman read the verdict before a packed courtroom. Hector Orlansky shook his head as the guilty counts against his brother were recited. Puerto cried as the counts against her were read. Stanham also teared up as he said his goodbyes to family members before being taken into custody.

Snow White's dwarfs more famous than US judges: poll

Here's a great article that I came across (hat tip: ScotusBlog) about Americans' knowledge of the Supreme Court and government in general. Here are some tidbits:

• Three quarters of Americans can correctly identify two of Snow White's seven dwarfs while only a quarter can name two Supreme Court Justices, according to a poll on pop culture released on Monday.
• Twice as many people (23 percent) were able to identify the most recent winner of the television talent show "American Idol," Taylor Hicks, as were able to name the Supreme Court Justice confirmed in January 2006, Samuel Alito (11 percent).
• Respondents were far more familiar with the Three Stooges — Larry, Curly and Moe — than the three branches of the U.S. government — judicial, executive and legislative. Seventy-four percent identified the former, 42 percent the latter.

What do you think the results in Miami would be if we asked about local judges? I'm afraid to ask...

Janet Reno's speech at NACDL

The National Assocation of Criminal Defense Lawyers recently had its annual meeting in Miami Beach, Florida. Janet Reno spoke. Here is her speech, with an intro from Neal Sonnett.

NG NOTB

Not Guilty North of the Border. What a relief! I'm still convinced there is no better feeling than hearing those two words...

I'll be back in the office today trying to get the computer back in order, catching up on stuff, and then finally getting back to the blog.

Profiling Prosecutors and Public Defenders

This morning's Daily Business Review profiles prosecutors and PDs. AUSAs Ed Nucci, Caroline Heck Miller, and Richard Gregorie are discussed as well as AFPD Faith Mesnekoff. There is also a long story about why public servants join these offices and why many must leave.