OK for suspect to view child porn in Tacoma jail

OK for suspect to view child porn in Tacoma jail

seattletimes.nwsource.com

A legal loophole is allowing a Washington state man accused of child sex crimes to view child pornography in jail.

Weldon Marc Gilbert is acting as his own lawyer in the case, and that means he's entitled to review the evidence.

The evidence in the case includes more than 100 videos seized from Gilbert's Lake Tapps home after his 2007 arrest. Authorities say some of the footage was shot by Gilbert.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Ok, sure, I'm upset, and my reactions to issues like these are emotional.

But!

That doesn't detract from the need we have to make some real changes here!

What steps would need to take place to compel people standing trial for any type of crime against a child to have legal representation (State issued or not)?

The materials normally would be contraband at the Pierce County Jail, but restricting Gilbert's access to the videos could result in a mistrial, the station reported Wednesday.

See!

peace

seattletimes.nwsource.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

Already posted man

Need to do a search when making new threads

reply to post by kro32

This is Breaking Alternative News - the other article is in Breaking Political News.

I believe ATS T&C stipulates there can be two threads on the same subject - if one is in Breaking Alternative news. (If that also applies to Breaking Political News? I'm not exactly sure, but I do believe so).

Let's stick to topic please - this truly is an important subject - at least IMO.

peace

"We don't want to do it, but we have to follow the law," Pierce County prosecutor Mark Lindquist said. "The fix here is to change the law."

source

So, at least there's someone in authority that realizes this law needs to be changed. I'm in hopes if we put the pressure on Mr. Lindquist he'll do it!

peace

We are sticking to the topic but just in the other thread as it was up before yours. You should realize that alot of people just scan the recent post section and not all of them individually but hey good luck with your thread

I'll just give a brief synopsis of what I posted on this threads twin. There should be no changes made IMHO. The man is perfectly within his right to act as his own attorney. Twisted pervert or not. Changing the law will simply take another right away from the people. A very important right, in fact...

reply to post by Inquisitive1

He can be compelled to have legal representation - who can be repsponsible for viewing evidence such as this - but still represent himself in court.

And if you think about it? What about the rights of the victims and their families? This give s him the right to contact the victims and family! That's obscene!

I'm the last person that would want to go around start changing laws protecting people and their rights - but - this one needs to be changed.

peace

I just got out of prison not too long ago, and he will not have a very fun time in jail or prison. Im going to swallow my anger on this one and trust in the prison system (the one the inmates run) to take care of this scum.

Originally posted by silo13
reply to post by Inquisitive1

 

He can be compelled to have legal representation - who can be repsponsible for viewing evidence such as this - but still represent himself in court.

While I agree this particular situation is difficult to stomach, Compelling him to have legal representation is denying him of the right to fully represent himself. That being said, this man is no lawyer (I think), and I suspect he's already screwed by the evidence against him. We can only hope and pray this man gets the maximum sentence.

And if you think about it? What about the rights of the victims and their families? This give s him the right to contact the victims and family! That's obscene!

Their rights should likewise be preserved. Listen, I am not without sympathy for these families and their loved ones. I understand the unwillingness to allow this low level life form near the very ones he's accused of harming, But such is the law, and this man has the right to do so. Taking that away from anyone is a crime in an of itself. This man should be handcuffed, and watched constantly during this process, and I'm sure he will be. There are various other methods one can ponder up to keep him away from direct contact and still allow him to exercise his right. A live speaker phone conversation comes to mind. Bottom line: The rights of all involved need to be protected and upheld. And there is a way to do so without abolishing those rights.

Who is going to be harmed by the viewing of the child pornography? If nobody, then this story is nothing more than a tiny victory for justice, and also more or less totally and completely irrelevant.

reply to post by silo13


The right to defend ones self is a guaranteed right. The courts can appoint a second chair to the case to provide advice or assist, but the person accused does not have the use them.

What I dont understand is how they can allow it. I get the mistrial part, but the evidence origonated from him, so he already knows whats on the tapes.

You know the saying -
A person who represents themselves has a fool for a client.

Originally posted by isitoveryet
Im going to swallow my anger on this one and trust in the prison system (the one the inmates run) to take care of this scum.

Good idea. There is no better trust than roulette justice where you throw a bunch of crazies in a cage and see what kinds of nutty things happen. God bless the roulette wheel of justice where anything can happen, and its bound to turn out just the way someone in the world wants regardless of what happens.

Coming soon: Bingo-style justice. Darts-style justice. Because faith-based justice is a perfect justice.

reply to post by silo13


That judge that made this possible should be fired.

If I kill someone, can I get the murder weapon that's evidence in my cell too?