Huguely trial — testimony on the cause of death
In day 6 of the George Huguely trial, the prosecution began its medical testimony on the cause of Yeardley Love’s death. The prosecution started with “blunt force trauma to the head,” the defense seems to want to argue cardiac arrhythmia, and the prosecution evidence today seems to suggest the possibility of cardiac arrhythmia brought on by an injury to the side of her neck, perhaps inflicted by Huguely.
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Huguely’s statement brings tears to jurors, families, and George Huguely
The most dramatic part of today’s testimony in the case of George Huguely was when his videotaped statement from May 4, 2010, was played back. Yeardley Love’s family, George Huguely’s family, Huguely himself, and even two of the jurors were crying as the video played. The prosecution evidence will likely end on Monday with medical evidence about the cause of death, and then the defense will present its evidence.
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Huguely evidence casts UVA students in an unattractive light
The fourth day of George Huguely’s trial featured testimony from friends of both Huguely and Love about their drinking and infidelities. This testimony is helping to negate the image that had been created of a practically perfect Yeardley Love being attacked by a jealous and angry George Huguely.
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Huguely testimony begins
After the jury was finally chosen, the attorneys gave their opening statements to set out their theories of the case. The defense opening suggests that they will focus on three things — George Huguely’s intoxication, why he went into Yeardley Love’s apartment, and just what was the cause of Yeardley Love’s death.
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Huguely jury is (almost) picked
The second day of jury selection for the George Huguely murder trial is over, and the evidence will start on Wednesday. It will be tough for the parties to get everything done in the two-week window available, but it is do-able.
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The first day of the George Huguely trial is over…
George Huguely’s trial has begun, and the first day was devoted to selecting the jury. When the trial resumes Tuesday morning, there will be more of the same.
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US Supreme Court will decide drug sniff case
Florida v. Jardines asks the Supreme Court to decide whether taking a drug dog to the front door of a house so that it can sniff for the presence of marijuana is a “search” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment. After looking at the relevant Supreme Court cases, I think the Court will uphold the sniff and reverse the Florida Supreme Court.
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Junk science in the courtroom
Junk science in the courtroom is being admitted in criminal cases in Virginia and around the country, and innocent people are being convicted because of it.
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It’s not a crime to not carry proof of insurance
Under Virginia law, every driver is required to have liability insurance on his or her car, or else pay an administrative fee of $500 that goes into an uninsured motorists’ fund. Although it is always a good idea to carry proof of liability insurance with you, it is not actually a crime NOT to have
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People v. Rivera — the Illinois Appellate Court Got It Right
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post discussing the pending case of People v. Rivera, in the Illinois Appellate Court. This case involved a horrible rape-murder of 11-year-old Holly Staker, committed in 1992. Juan Rivera confessed, but his confession made no sense and didn’t fit the facts. (For one thing, he stated in
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