by Bette Wayne

Created on: October 31, 2008   Last Updated: November 08, 2008

The Criminal Justice System

The Criminal Justice System is one of the most complex and misused segments of life in the United States. Truthfully the Criminal Justice System begins with the degree of guilt entered into every indictment and with the ability of the prosecuting and defense attorneys. Although most attorneys are honest and ethical, some will do almost anything to win their case.

Many years ago, I sold a family life insurance policy to a young man who had a year old son. He was tall, well built and his wife was small, almost delicate. As I visited in their home, I learned that the man was concerned about the welfare of his family and worked hard to provide for them. I liked them and wished them well as I departed. I also mentioned that I would have their policy, with a face value of $5000, in a few weeks. Even then, $5000 was not a lot of money but it was the beginning of a financial plan to care for this man's wife and son.

Two weeks later the local police were attempting to locate him in connection with the death of his wife. He subsequently walked into a police station and admitted his guilt.

I was surprised by these events but thought I understood what had happened. This man wanted desperately to give his family a better life than he had as a child and was somewhat frustrated by his low paying job. Like many people in this position, his frustration sometimes gave way to anger and, he killed his wife.

Several months later, an Assistant District Attorney called me as a Material Witness in a murder trial. The man in question was being charged with First Degree Murder, which carried a mandatory death penalty at that time. His motive, said the ADA, was the $5000 insurance policy. Since I am very outspoken, I told the ADA that he was wrong and that the money was insignificant when compared to the cost of child care, etc., but ADA's can subpoena witnesses so I appeared in court at the designated time.

Although I normally make an opportunity to speak, such things are impossible on the witness chair. I was frustrated and wanted to throw something at the ADA. The Defense Attorney remained silent and I decided I was the only one who saw things differently that the ADA. However, the Judge also lost his patience and asked the Defense Attorney if he had any objections. When he said he did not, the Judge told him that he would defend the man since the Defense Attorney was not working in behalf of his client. The Judge then asked me to tell in my own words what happened.

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