Laying down the hammer

I recently read an article by Katie Thomas of the New York Times. In Thomas's article she discusses the presiding Judge Susan Illston over Barry Bonds case. She talks about Illston's reputation and quick learning skills that have promoted her a Federal Judge. I agree with Thomas and her continual recognition of the case's Illston has had in her courtroom. There are many who would disagree with the judge's decisions she had made but at the same time Thomas clearly shows how well she handled herself. In many of the larger cases that have be well publicized Thomas is quick to point out that many lawyers who often appear before Illston said the heightened attention of this case was unlikely to change the way she ran a courtroom. Katie Thomas does a great job in illustrating her clear favoritism towards Illston by using many quotes from colleagues, public figures and newspapers. I completely agree with the picture that Thomas paints for us in this article, hard work, being consistent and detailed studying leads to only the best. I think the other picture Thomas is painting for us is the fact that the majority of the public despises what Barry Bonds, Victor Conte and Brian Anderson have done to baseball and now we have one the best, if not the best Federal Judge taking this case. She is showing Illston's credibility to take on a case of such magnitude. She shows how Illston is a lawyer who will not take crap from anyone, at a time when woman lawyers were far and few, Illston rose as an effective trial lawyer in the 70's. I agree completely with Katie Thomas's stand point of, we have the right Federal Judge for the case.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/sports/baseball/27judge.html

Admitting Guilt

In the AP's article posted in the Dallas Morning News they discuss Miguel Tejeda's plead of guilt for lying to the government about taking steroids. The document shows a plea agreement made by Tejeda which could land his anywhere from year in jail or deportation. The public finds this a good timing considering it came one day after superstar Alex Rodriguez admitted his own guilt in using performance enhancing drugs. In January of 2008 the House Panel asked the Justice Department to investigate if Tejeda lied. During their discussions a plea agreement was reached and Tejeda will appear in court on Wednesday February 11th. Tejeda will be the first big market superstar to admit his lying towards the U.S. Government.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/baseball/mlb/stories/021109dnspotejada.283f9e3.html