Clark guilty of diatribe

Doug Clark’s recent column on the Fred Russell appeal (Dec. 16) reflects his need for a refresher course in constitutional law. Every person convicted of a crime is entitled to an appeal. Why? The answer is simple. Mistakes are made!

Our judicial system is not perfect. Judges are called upon to make split-second decisions interpreting the law and rules of evidence. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are overburdened with cases that require careful analysis from often opposing, multifaceted perspectives. Victims of crime want swift justice and appropriate punishment for the crime(s) committed.

As an appellate attorney I have seen professionalism and competence of trial counsel at its very best, as well as the utter ineptitude of those individuals who should never have been allowed to graduate from law school.

The law is an honorable profession. I chose it and I defend it because I believe in it. Not everyone will agree with me; that is their right.

Mr. Clark’s diatribe and personal slurs notwithstanding, whatever decision is made in the Russell case will only come about after careful consideration of the law and the facts by the three-judge panel who heard the appeal.

Dennis W. Morgan

Ritzville, Wash.