It is rare for a Judge to comment on a case that they presided over. It is even rarer for that judge to get into an argument with one of the attorneys on the case that they presided over. It is unheard of for the Judge and the attorney to get into a heated discussion on a radio call in show about the case the Judge presided over. WBOK-AM, in New Orleans, had Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro on their showing talking about a recent case that was before Hon. Ben Willard. The case involved a police officer on video tape beating a handcuffed individual. Judge Willard ordered a not guilty verdict on the case. The hosts and DA Cannizzaro were voicing their displeasure toward Judge Willard, when Judge Willard decided to call in. The other side of the story came out of course. As Judge Willard pointed out, DA Cannizzaro lost because the victim refused to show up despite a material witness warrant. Without the victim to identify the officer as the assailant you cannot find a guilty verdict. The judge also pointed out that there were 3 other officers in the video, none of whom were charged. If this couldnt get any weirder, Judge Willard then informed the studio audience that he was outside the radio station and wished to be let in. Unfortunately no one would let him in. Seems like DA Cannizzaro had no real interest in bringing this case to trial, otherwise he would have made sure his witness was there. Once the whole thing blew up in his face he figured he could blame the judge without any problems and no one would be the wiser. Click below for the audio of the call in show discussion: theadvocate/entertainment/video/7452756-123/political-insider-for-oct-31
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 20:00:49 +0000
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