tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post1791218816446522931..comments2023-06-21T09:25:35.299-04:00Comments on C&E Current Events Blog: Current Event, 1/7/11Ms. Loganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108383017239186239noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-88919624081249344012011-02-04T13:00:23.990-05:002011-02-04T13:00:23.990-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/world/asia/01sto...http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/world/asia/01stoning.html?ref=afghanistan<br /><br /><br />Five months ago in Kabul, Afghanistan there was a video of a couple, a 19-year-old girl and her 25-year-old fiancée, being stoned to death. The police did not take action at the time, but now, the police have finally decided to investigate. There is plenty of information on the case including- the time, the date, the place, the people committing the crime, and hundreds of witnesses. One of the videos taken has now been shown on TV there and prompted the government to take action. They claim that the perpetrators have gone into hiding but the claim was questioned because most of the men in the district were involved. The only group who has spoken openly of their disgrace is the Taliban who once controlled the village.<br />I think this a very disgusting and sad story. First of all, I would not wish stoning on my worst enemy. It is a horrible and painful way to die and I would not want to see anyone go through it. Next, the reason that this happened was because they wanted to elope. It is sad that they were punished this way- and even punished at all! And thirdly, the fact that the local police took no action for so long is appalling. It makes me think they agreed with what happened. Only after they were disgraced for not acting did they finally investigate. I hope that the families of those harmed realize that this was a horrible thing that was done, and remember them as those they love, instead of those who acted wrongly in their eyes and were punished justly.<br /><br />Jessica Batson<br />7thJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474773761681972717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-26889122744968403672011-01-07T23:45:25.215-05:002011-01-07T23:45:25.215-05:00Julie Wulforst
6th period
According to the state...Julie Wulforst<br />6th period <br /><br />According to the states incoming attorney general, Oklahoma will file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Obama's health care overhaul within the next few weeks. Oklahoma's attorney general, Scott Pruitt, believes that the federal government has gone to far in their overreach of power and authority, and that it's necessary that he exorcises his right to defend Oklahoma's Constitution. Oklahoma Governor-elect, Mary Fallon, supports Pruitt one hundred percent and believes the health care overhaul is ""bad for our economy, bad for our health and bad for our states." New health care laws state that by 2014, most Americans will be required to have health insurance. OKlahoma residents think this isn't right, and don't think they should HAVE to have health insurance, so last November, Oklahoma voters supported an amendment to their Constitution saying that they shouldn't be required to have health insurance. Within the next few months, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia is expected to rule on the lawsuit.<br /><br />Recently in class we've been studying the judicial "cake" and what it takes to make it to the Supreme Court. The Oklahoma lawsuit is expected to appear in the Supreme Court regardless of the outcome in Richmond, which makes sense, since it's a STATE against something outside that state. I agree with what Oklahoma (as well as Florida and Virginia) have done, and are trying to do. Sometimes people overstep their boundaries and need to be put back in their place, and I think that this is a great way to do it. Since three states have already put lawsuits in motion against the health care overhaul, I think other states will eventually join in, and the case will appear in the Supreme Court.<br /><br />http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/01/07/oklahoma.health.care/Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00398940075342864126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-22726427014223705172011-01-07T23:28:58.388-05:002011-01-07T23:28:58.388-05:00Tanner Gardner
7th Period
http://www.cnn.com/2011...Tanner Gardner<br />7th Period<br /><br />http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/01/07/health.care/index.html<br /><br />A bill repealing Obama's health care reform has cleared a key hurdle in the House yesterday. This came about because almost all of the Republicans present voted for the repeal, and nearly every Democrat against: however the Republicans-due to the recent reseizing of power in the House-still dominated the vote(238-181). The repeal will have to survive a revote, a Democrat-controlled Senate and a presidential veto by the one who enacted it. Democrats cite a CBO analysis saying the repeal would add $230 billion to the federal debt, while Republicans maintain it as something that America as a whole can't afford. As Rep. Mike Pence, a republican form Indiana, said, "We will vote to repeal Obamacare again and again until we consign their government takeover to the ash heap of history where it belongs."<br /><br /> I am aware that the Rep. Mike Pence doesn't represent all Republicans but unfortunately he does hold the same views as those of lesser intelligence. The stance that these people are taking is summed up perfectly by Bill Maher: "We can't afford health care cause some asshole ran up the debt!" You see? They never admit to any fallacies-they're completely irrational. Again, not slandering all Republicans-just the ones who trust Fox News. I think it's scary that Republicans have regained their lost House positions. It'd be a real shame to see the Reaganites destroy everything Obama has worked so hard for.Tannerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01434112186499773951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-90474726066760077582011-01-07T13:39:55.962-05:002011-01-07T13:39:55.962-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/us/politics/01sc...http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/us/politics/01scotus.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=judiciaL&st=cse<br /><br />Jackson Wright<br /> 6th period<br /><br /> This article deals with the judicial system and party barriers leading to a neglected court system. There are currently 96 unfilled federal judge positions and Chief Justice John Roberts believes this is due to the parties trying to block the other party from electing a judge of their own beliefs. Roberts complains that Obama should do better to eliminate these party barriers. <br /> I do not agree with Roberts conservative views in general but on this issue I do agree with him because when parties begin to hurt our go government rather than help them is when something should be done. I hope that Obama does branch out a little more so that we can fill these judicial spots and keep the branch alive and well with a strong influence so I do agree with Roberts on this subject.<br /> jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01609280074886054153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-26231734427185647022011-01-07T12:47:22.467-05:002011-01-07T12:47:22.467-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/07brfs-GUILTY...http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/07brfs-GUILTYPLEAIN_BRF.html?_r=1&ref=crimeandcriminals<br /><br />Mathew Hoffman was recently sentenced to life in prison without parole for committing multiple murders, burglary, kidnapping, rape and other charges. He plead guilty to killing Tina Hermann, her son Kody Maynard, and her neighbor Stephanie Sprang. He had attempted to break into Hermann’s home, and upon confrontation, killed her and the other victims. He then stuffed them into trash bags and hid them in hollow trees. Hoffman was also guilty of kidnapping a 13 year old girl and subsequently raping her. <br /><br />This is a disgusting crime that sickens me. Hoffman deserves his sentence of life in prison without parole, and I am glad that he will not be able to commit such crimes again. Hoffman has obviously inflicted so much pain on the families and friends of his victims. My thoughts are with these people. <br /><br />Maria Yao, 6thMariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14978697087640024694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-86561039585726720942011-01-07T12:33:13.293-05:002011-01-07T12:33:13.293-05:00Norman Archer
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/us...Norman Archer<br />http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/us/05brfs-JUDGESASKFOR_BRF.html?_r=2&scp=3&sq=court%20california&st=cse<br />California: Judges Ask for Clarity on Same-Sex Marriage Measure<br />In San Francisco, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit asked for guidance on the issue of standing in a federal challenge to Proposition 8, the state’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage from the California Supreme Court. Coming after former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his successor, Gov. Jerry Brown, refused to defend the proposition in court, the order, asked for clarification of California law. That has left the defense primarily to conservative legal groups and proponents of the measure. In August, Proposition 8 was ruled to be unconstitutional by a federal district judge, but that ruling was appealed to the Ninth Circuit panel. Also Tuesday, the Imperial County’s right to intervene on the behalf of Proposition 8 was denied by the panel.<br /> I think that this is a wonderful example of the judiciary system in the US. Not only does is show that legal process and the federal system but is also bring in federalism. The case now lies with a court of appeals, the second tier in the federal judiciary system. The state system of California is also involved because the ciruit court has asked the State Supreme Court for guidance and clarification concerning Proposition 8, the law in question. All in all, this case is very educational.Normanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16633269050558525804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-15761725627073196552011-01-07T11:21:53.095-05:002011-01-07T11:21:53.095-05:00Current Event
1/6/11
p. 6
This week since we’re d...Current Event<br />1/6/11<br />p. 6<br /><br />This week since we’re discussing the federal court and the judicial system I did a current event based around the more law/ lawmaking side of the things we’re learning about. This article focuses on a group of state lawmakers that are trying to outline plans to end birthright citizenship. Conservatives from five different states want to stop the immediate granting of citizenship to children born in the U.S. that are born to illegal immigrants. They knew that the state bill wouldn’t be put into effect anytime soon because it could be brought up as unconstitutional. They are hoping that eventually this case will end up in the Supreme Court with a decision on birthright citizenship. Rep. Steve King of Iowa and also the chairman of the House Judiciary subcommittee wanted to use the first day that the new house members were sworn in as a chance to introduce this new bill. He would introduce the bill as a bill to eliminate the birthright citizenship for children who’s parents are both illegal immigrants. This issue is in the front of the new Republican immigration agenda in the 112th Congress. Latino and African-American civil rights groups have said that if this law is passed they have formed coalitions to challenge the birthright citizenship.<br /><br />This law to me seems a little bit selfish. I understand that the lawmakers want America to be a place for Americans, but that’s no reason to not let innocent children not be able to have a good life here in America. If anything I believe that we should feel honored that someone from another country would want to have a child here. I’m sure that there is enough room in the U.S. for everyone to be happy.<br /><br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/us/06immig.html?ref=usBrinkleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06257743366427700824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-28700681562256905642011-01-07T11:11:08.013-05:002011-01-07T11:11:08.013-05:00Jose Bonilla
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thetic...Jose Bonilla<br /><br />http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110106/ts_yblog_theticket/house-gop-leaders-lead-symbolic-reading-of-the-amended-constitution<br /><br />The New GOP Has started reading the contstituition to start off the 112congress for 2011... there were parts of the controversial because some are not in effect anymore. some were still read and some were not read. although the whole constituition was readJose STFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16685226607427718707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-78699734272327408392011-01-07T09:05:51.445-05:002011-01-07T09:05:51.445-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/07brfs-GUILTY...http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/07brfs-GUILTYPLEAIN_BRF.html?ref=crimeandcriminals<br /><br />Robert Hoffman, an unemployed tree-cutter, plead guilty to his case recently. He admitted yesterday that while breaking into Tina Herrmann's house he stabbed three people (her, her son, and a neighbor) to death, dismembered their bodies, and hid their remains in a hollow tree. He plead guilty to aggravated murder, burglary, kidnapping, and other charges. He also plead guilty to the kidnap and rape of a thirteen-year-old girl that was with the family that night (the neighbor). Hoffman was sentenced to life in prison without parole.<br /><br />I think that this case is sickening. First, there was the robbery. Then, the rape and kidnap of the *thirteen*-year-old girl. And to make it more horrible, he killed three people! And put them in a tree! I think he may not of intended to kill anyone, but it does not make it right. He should have not been breaking in in the first place. It is very lucky he was caught and put in prison for life so he could not commit any more horrible crimes such as this one. <br /><br />Jessica Batson<br />7thJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474773761681972717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-78506570824512471252011-01-07T07:11:11.372-05:002011-01-07T07:11:11.372-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/06/ohio.family.se...http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/06/ohio.family.sentence/index.html<br /><br />A man in Ohio was charged for multiple offenses and sentenced to life in jail. On Thursday January 6th, 2011, Matthew Hoffman, 30, pleaded guilty for murdering and dismantling the bodies of a woman, her son, and her friend, then putting their remains in a bag and stuffing it in the hollow of a tree. The victims, Tina R. Herrmann, her son Kody and neighbor Stephanie Sprang had been missing for days until their remains were found in the tree. The autopsy say they were stabbed to death. Hoffman confessed he committed these murderers during an attempted burglary. He was charged for 10 counts and went to jail without parole. Hoffman was charged for aggressive murder, aggravated burglary, charges of kidnapping and rape of one of the victims 13 year-old relative, and as if this wasn’t enough, Hoffman was charged with tampering with evidence at the scene of the crime. The murderer claims he felt guilty for committing these crimes and felt it was necessary for the remains to be found that is why he pleaded guilty when his case was taken to district courts.<br /><br />I think this man did an atrocious thing committing these crimes while trying to break in to their house. It was so unnecessary and im glad hes sentenced to life in jail. Its good that he confessed because otherwise the bodies might have never been found. I don’t think Hoffman is not very smart because he went through all the trouble of hiding their bodies and cleaning up the scene of the crime for nothing because he condessed it all. Plus he didn’t get to steal whatever he was after, so I think these crimes were highly unnecessary because he ended the lives of 3 innocent people for nothing.<br /><br />Laura Musalem <br />period 6Laura Musalemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04411277008690423364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-43012518170926455252011-01-06T23:57:28.745-05:002011-01-06T23:57:28.745-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/06/virginia.cia.a...http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/06/virginia.cia.arrest/index.html <br /><br />Jeffrey Alexander Sterling, a former CIA officer, has been ordered into custody by a St. Louis judge. He was arrested today on charges that he disclosed secret defense information. He has said that he understood the charges against him. Sterling was represented in court by St. Louis attorney Steve Welby. Sterling will eventually be brought back to U.S. District Court in Alexandria for trial. The indictment says that Sterling stole classified information and told the contents to a newspaper reporter who was writing a book.<br /><br />I can’t believe someone who was in the CIA would give away this type of information to a newspaper reporter. That’s just asking for trouble, especially because it is classified information of the CIA. I read that Sterling was fired from the CIA in 2002, so I do believe he is guilty. Maybe Sterling was trying to get back at the CIA for firing him or just trying to make a quick buck, but as you can see that was not a very smart decision. <br /><br />Chris Barth<br />P.7<br />1/6/11Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04335256623382270175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-90888094881661761662011-01-06T23:47:58.744-05:002011-01-06T23:47:58.744-05:00http://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/01/06/gates-wo...http://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/01/06/gates-working-to-implement-%E2%80%98don%E2%80%99t-ask%E2%80%99-repeal-2/<br />Alex Grosskurth<br />6th period<br />Just recently " don't ask don't tell" was passed. Most people believe that this is the end of DADT because its passed, but this isnt true. There is a 60 day review period and Obama, the defense secretary and the chairman of the joints chiefs of staff must also agree on this act again. Obama predicts that DADT being repealed will take a few months. According to other sources though, this shouldn't take nearly as long as Obama is predicitng. Obama claims that this hurts the military, and since its only a policy i'm wondering why its so hard to repeal. The Congress has already voted and agreed that DADT should be repealed. Gates, the secretary of defence, also has announced he will retire this year, but will not do so until DADT is repealed.<br />I really want to know why its so hard to repeal this policy. All that needs to be done is remove this policy. There isn't any need for resources, just a simple repeal of the law. It keeps people down, so much so that some republicans even decided to vote for it too, which broke the filibuster. Every study done about DADT has said that repealing it will help the army, not hurt it. Most Americans cant wait to see this repealed because its wrong. Firing soldiers because they're openly gay is wrong, and we should just finish the repeals process sooner. The more time wasted on debating this after its already been voted by congress, the more time there is for people to argue it and maybe repeal it. If we honestly want this passed, it should be passed sooner.Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04466874118983334937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-59742646349086981572011-01-06T23:01:28.313-05:002011-01-06T23:01:28.313-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/04/new.york.desig...http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/04/new.york.designer.murder/index.html?npt=NP1<br /><br />Ex-boyfriend killes swimsuit designer. The body was found at a chic New York hotel. This statement from the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Nicholas Brooks is the son of famous composer Joseph Brooks. Brooks pleaded not guilty at his arraignment tuesday afternoon. He was charged with second-degree murder. They say his next court day is Feb 8th.The spokeswoman of the district of Manhanttan, Joan Vollero said that if convicted he should face 25 years to life in prison. <br /><br />To me and hearing about this case is very strange. But what I dont understand WHY kill a person when you know you might get cought. The worst part is that most cases of murder happens in public places like hotels, parks, etc... I do belive that this guy and every guy or woman should go in life in prison. It's not far that just buy paying a fine or just getting a couple of years for someones death, and even having proof that they did it sometimes all they have to do is pay a fine and get out. Killing someone is a big deal and should be taking in more deep into the courts.Soniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09897529763295834742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-31340384811923877652011-01-06T22:50:34.061-05:002011-01-06T22:50:34.061-05:00http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-l...http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-legion-appeal-mt-soledad-ruling-112897734.html<br /><br />On January 4th, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the cross that sits atop Mt. Soledad in San Diego, California, was unconstitutional in violation of the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause. The case, Jewish War Veterans v. City of San Diego, had to do with the 29-foot war memorial put up in 1954 to honor US war veterans. The memorial stands on public land, which is why those against it want the cross taken down. Jimmie L. Foster, national commander of the nation's largest veterans organization and in favor of the cross, claims that "The sanctity of this cross is about the right to honor our nation's veterans in a manner which the overwhelming majority supports." The decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court by the American Legion.<br /><br />I personally have no problem with public displays and expressions of religion, but I can understand the opposition to this cross. The fact that it is on public land means a lot, because if the court allowed the cross to remain it could allow for a more loose reading of the Establishment Clause that could lead to further expressions of religion that are slightly more offensive or forceful. On the other hand, I can understand the desire to maintain a memorial to United States veterans. I'm curious to see what the Supreme Court will rule if it takes this case.Sarah Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10096764703153807662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-13797875856178577442011-01-06T22:39:32.178-05:002011-01-06T22:39:32.178-05:00http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopic...http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/k/kagan_elena/index.html?scp=3&sq=court%20cases&st=cse<br /><br />Hannah Blackburn<br />7th period<br /><br />This article is not exactly recent, but it pertains to the Supreme Court and the future of that Court. <br /><br />In late 2010, Elena Kagan was sworn in as an associate justice on the Supreme Court. She was nominated by Obama, and confirmed by a 63-37 vote in the Senate. Although she is technically a liberal, she is also very moderate. This follows an interesting pattern of Democratic presidents putting more moderate people on the Court, while the Republicans tend to put solidly conservatives on the Court. Previously, she was the solicitor general and also worked under Thurgood Marshall. She is the first woman dean of Harvard Law School, and is known for bringing positive reform to Harvard Law. Because she was the solicitor general, she cannot work 54 cases the court plans on hearing. Many of these are on highly controversial subjects that could result in a 4-4 vote. Interestingly, there is a bill proposed in Congress that if one justice cannot vote, a retired justice may vote in her place. However, the only living ex-justices are liberal, so a Republican Congress is unlikely to pass this as law.<br /><br />I think it's fantastic to have such a diverse Court as we have now. With three women and a wide assortment of religions and cultural backgrounds, the Court is the most diverse in American history. This will hopefully give the court a unique perspective on some of the major issues they will rule on in coming years, such as gay marriage rights and healthcare. I like the idea that old justices can come back if need be, as long as it is voluntary for them. They would have unique historical perspectives to bring to the table, and tied voting sounds like a very stressful and awful situation for the Court to be in.Ginny Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11847406585584090414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-76318645158384878142011-01-06T22:38:50.712-05:002011-01-06T22:38:50.712-05:00Ryan Hegedus
L.A. officials receive video of men s...Ryan Hegedus<br />L.A. officials receive video of men sexually assaulting disabled women<br /> Four men were videotaped sexually assaulting at least 10 disabled women, some of which in a care home, in California. The videotapes were leaked by a tipster who dropped then off at a police station. There is more than 100 hours of video of the sexual assault crimes being committed, which was enough for police to create composite sketches of the assailants. The police have identified the victims, but need help in identifying and capturing of the four men. A tip hotline has been set up for anybody who has information on the crimes and police are encouraging the original tipster to call with information of how he obtained the video. <br /> I think these crimes are as low as it gets. Rape is bad enough, but raping mentally disabled women, some of whom are even in care homes, takes a twisted individual, let alone four. The original tipster should call in immediately if he has any heart whatsoever so he can put an end to these horrific crimes. The men who committed these crimes should take the liberty of killing themselves, because what they have done can never be forgiven by any means. People who know who these people are or where they are hiding need to speak up, or they will be failing as a citizen of America. <br /> <br />http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/06/california.rape.disabled/index.html?hpt=T1Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17904979025419588742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-89159520513658787722011-01-06T22:23:56.498-05:002011-01-06T22:23:56.498-05:00On the 31st, Chief Justice Roberts submitted a 12 ...On the 31st, Chief Justice Roberts submitted a 12 page report calling on the Senate and the President to fill "Judicial Vacnacies". He continued by assuring that he was not saying this person or that person should be filling these slots, only enstating that those slots should be filled. He then reminded us that just because you are in one party or another, that dosent mean that the people your judge will be ruling over will be pleased that they are your party. He went on by commenting on the progress made by congress in confirming 19 judges recently and 62 of Obamas nominees. Throughout the entire piece, Justice Roberts did not mention a plea for elevated income, which is usually in his anual reports.<br /><br />I think that Chief Justice Roberts was trying to segway into many disputable areas, including lack of expertise in judging,the ever separating right and left wing politicians and how their battle has made america more split than united,and I also think he realizes that the Economy is finally doing better but unemployment is still up at around 8-9%. Honestly, I find myself respecting Chief Justice Roberts much more after seeing some very mixed expressions coming from this latest report.<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/us/politics/01scotus.html?scp=1&sq=Judicial%20Branch&st=cse<br /><br />7th Period<br />Ian HillIanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00929139647246410863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-44837049488936476262011-01-06T22:23:10.926-05:002011-01-06T22:23:10.926-05:00http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/hoffman-pleads-guilty...http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/hoffman-pleads-guilty-gruesome-ohio-killings-abduction/story?id=12555832<br /><br /> Today 30 year old Matthew Hoffman pled guilty to killing 3 people and kidnapping and raping another. According to the article, he planned to burglarize the house but when he saw people in the house, panicked. The one survivor, a 13 year old girl, was tied up and gagged when found by police in November. Her mother, younger brother, and a family friend were killed by Hoffman and their bodies stuck in a hollow tree. Hoffman agreed to show the bodies in exchange for being spared the death penalty.<br /> I think it’s sad what he did to that poor family. He killed 3 of them and raped the girl and left her tied up and gagged. While I don’t think he deserved the death penalty, he definitely deserved life without parole. He doesn’t get a chance to commit a crime again.<br /><br />Mark Stouffer<br />Period 7Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15888462462700850988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-70160712833016797292011-01-06T22:08:14.470-05:002011-01-06T22:08:14.470-05:00Gavin Welch
Per 7
jan6th
Thursday, a man in Ohio ...Gavin Welch<br />Per 7<br />jan6th<br /><br />Thursday, a man in Ohio pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in jail without payroll for killing a woman, her friend and her son. Matthew Hoffman was responsible for the murder of the three people, for kidnapping a victims 13 year old relative. Matthew Hoffman worked as a tree trimmer in Knox County Ohio and is currently 30 years old.<br />Matthew met the Herrmann family while preforming a robbery of the Herrmann residence. Family members of the Herrmanns chose for Hoffmann to live. Sherri Baxter told a CNN affiliate that Death would be to easy of a way out, we much rather spend our tax dollars and keep Hoffmann alive<br /><br />I believe that the Choice to keep Hoffmann alive would be a tough one. In my summary of this article I have only listed three of his ten convictions. To have a serial killer kill members of your family and members of other families give the judges a lot to consider. Like Sherri Baxter said, Death would be the easy way out. I agree with that statement because I much rather live with him self than give him what he wants.<br /><br />http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/06/ohio.family.sentence/index.htmlGavinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09533558369082340314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-51358396986289672292011-01-06T22:08:09.953-05:002011-01-06T22:08:09.953-05:00http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/no-cr...http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/no-crime-just-punishment/?scp=3&sq=crime&st=cse<br /><br />A woman was recently released after spending seven months in jail for a series of armed robberies that never happened. Seemona Sumasar had been unfairly charged with robbery because of a former boyfriend, Jerry Ramrattan. Ramrattan was upset that Ms. Sumasar would not drop a rape complaint that she had filed against him, so he set her up. By giving a partial license plate number, two full license plate numbers, using fake victims, and planting bullets, Ramrattan framed his ex-girlfriend seamlessly. But the scheme quickly unraveled when an informant came with information that Ramrattan had arranged the whole thing. Phone records showed that Ramrattan had been in contact with the supposed victims. Jerry Ramrattan, along with the three supposed victims were arrested and Seemona Sumasar was released after serving seven months because she couldn’t make bail.<br /><br />I’m very surprised that someone could pull this off without police having any suspicions. I guess it just goes to show what cops will do to protect their reputations and make themselves look good. It really makes me wonder if their main goal on their job is really to serve justice. Also, I think that Sumasar needs to be very careful with her ex-boyfriend. If he is cruel enough to frame her for a crime and send her to prison, I can only imagine what else he is capable of. The fact that this backfired on him probably caused much more hatred for her, and he may go to extremes to defeat her next time.<br /><br />Cerys Humphreys<br />7th periodCeryshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05060179156063450925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-77974260419665986552011-01-06T22:07:30.845-05:002011-01-06T22:07:30.845-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/06/ohio.family.se...http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/06/ohio.family.sentence/index.html <br /><br />Riley Hutchison<br />7th period<br /><br />On November 18, 2010 the bodies of three people were found in a hollowed out tree in rural Ohio. The bodies were Stephanie Sprang, Kody Maynard, and Tina Herrmann. This Thursday Matthew Hoffman pleaded guilty to 10 counts which included, murder, kidnapping, burglary, rape, and hindering the investigation. This lead to him getting a life sentence without parol. There are other unsolved cases that Matthew is suspected to have something to do with. They took place at about the same time, and were in the same area. Matthew stated that the murders took place when the residents of the homes he was robbing came home. He also bound and gagged a 13 year old girl, and left her in her basement. <br /><br />I am not a fan of particularly harsh punishments, but when a man does something as terrible as this he deserves what he got. This proves to me that our Judicial system knows how to handel difficult situations, and make the best out of them. We got a killer off of the streets forever, and got closure for the families of the deceased. When there is an overwhelming ammount of evidence against someone suspected for committing a crime, the only logical thing to do is to send them to jail. If he were to get the death penalty that would seem extreemly severe. He wouldnt have to deal with his actions, and live all of his life in jail, which seems to defeat the puropse of jail completely. With this case there is enough evidence to convict Matthew, but if there was not enough i dont think he should have gotten the same sentence. He obviously commited these crimes, he pleaded guilty to all of them! I agree with the sentence he was given, it fits his crimes.Riley Hutchisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02555970875882436598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-40477395893818517852011-01-06T21:48:38.386-05:002011-01-06T21:48:38.386-05:00A man in Ohio was convicted of burglary, the murde...A man in Ohio was convicted of burglary, the murders of three people, and the kidnapping and raping of a minor. This man, Matthew Hoffman, who was currently unemployed, had previously worked as a tree cutter. He broke into a home and killed the three people who resisted. After being stabbed and dismembered, their bodies were put into garbage bags and then stuffed into a hollow tree. The thirteen year old girl who was also in the house at the time of the burglary was the one he kidnapped and raped.<br /><br />This is a shocking and disgusting crime. It does not seem possible that anyone could be that twisted and sick. It is a very good thing that he was caught and convicted before he could do anything like that to any other person. For these charges he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. I am glad that he will not have the chance to do any such crime again.<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/07brfs-GUILTYPLEAIN_BRF.html?ref=crimeandcriminals<br /><br />Chiara SalemiChiarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07087844368788122975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-5938615749909604282011-01-06T21:14:48.938-05:002011-01-06T21:14:48.938-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/30/mississippi.si...http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/30/mississippi.sisters.prison.release/index.html?npt=NP1<br /><br />Last week, it was announced that Gladys Scott and Jamie Scott would be released from their double life sentences if Gladys donated her kidney to Jamie. The cost for the kidney treatment has been costing the jail too much, so they came up with this scenario to work it out. The two sisters were convicted of armed robbery of two men and made to serve two life sentences. However, the tapes showing the robbery showed three teenagers committing it. Those three received far less severe sentences and are now released.<br /><br />This is really an odd situation, but it kind of shows the exceptions that happen in our prison system. Not only were these two women convicted for far more severe sentences than they deserved, but now they're being released under these specific conditions. While I don't agree with them serving that long in the first place, it's good that they're finally getting a chance to be released from jail. The sisters are completely fine with this kidney transfer, so in the end it seems like everything's fine.<br /><br />Kate Boyd<br />7th pdKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06609027572209482731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-29156253125338608922011-01-06T21:11:14.108-05:002011-01-06T21:11:14.108-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/06/michigan.drug.mul...http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/06/michigan.drug.mule/index.html<br /><br />Recently, a woman was caught at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, attempting to smuggle two and a half pounds of heroin. The woman allegedly swallowed ninety-one balloon like pellets filled with heroin. When the woman was flagged for a closer inspection upon arrival, she admitted to having narcotics on her, but was unsure what kind, or how much of the drug. Airport officials were stunned by how much she was attempting to smuggle. They told CNN that drug smuggling is pretty rare at their airport, and that a drug bust of this magnitude is astonishing for them.<br /><br />I think this is an interesting story. We hear about drug mules being busted all the time in international airports such as JFK and Atlanta, but we don’t usually here about drug mules smuggling this much of an illegal substance and in an airport like Detroit Metropolitan Airport. I find it interesting that this woman was caught with two and a half pounds of heroin inside her body and yet as soon as she was flagged for further security, she told them that she was smuggling drugs. I wouldn’t think that a drug mule smuggling that much heroin would be the one to just crack under pressure. I am happy that our airport security was able to recognize that she looked suspicious, and were able to confiscate so much of an illegal drug.<br /><br />Brady Strine<br />6th periodBrady Strinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17269819666887671512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-268153021961851822011-01-06T21:05:03.768-05:002011-01-06T21:05:03.768-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/04/new.york.inher...http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/04/new.york.inheritance/index.html?npt=NP1<br /><br />Brandon Palladino could get “rewarded” for the murder of his mother in law. After killing his mother in law in 2008, Palladino was sent to Suffolk county jail by a district court. The strange part to the story is that all of the mother in law’s inheritance went to her daughter, Palladino’s wife. Then, his wife died… The inheritance is a minimum of a quarter of a million dollars. When Palladino gets out of jail, he will possibly be rich if nothing further is done because of the murder. He is expected to stay in jail for 25 years which means he would get out in his forties. He would still have a lot of life ahead of him and a lot of money. Dianne Edwards, the mother in law, was greatly missed. Many of her family complained about this issue. The only way to prevent Palladino from getting the inheritance is by proving that his wife had something to do with her mother’s murder. This is because according to law you can’t benefit from your own criminal conduct.<br /><br />I think it’s really sad that Palladino might get to be rich when he gets out of prison. The fact that he gets out at a young age also makes it really controversial. He is basically getting rich because he committed murder. I feel so bad for the family of the Edwards for their loss. I can’t imagine how it would feel to have the man who murder someone in your family to be rich because of it.<br /><br />Tristin V.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com