|
Extreme Makeover:
Nothing New For Judicial System
With the current rash of reality television shows that dominate our homes these days, they have all started to sound a bit similar. There comes a point where there is just nothing else to do as far as creating a new show. While watching one of the more successful shows the other night, I was reminded of how old ideas are being presented as if they have never been done before. Extreme Makeover is based on taking someone who does not have the most pleasant physical attributes and turning them into something much more aesthetically pleasing. Of course this idea was first done by the story The Ugly Duckling. But, some might argue that the idea behind the Extreme Makeover success really owes its origin to the criminal justice and judicial system.
If you don’t believe it, I would invite you to take a look at the book-in photo on the day that someone is arrested, for whatever the crime might be, and then compare that photo to the first time that same person appears in court for the first time. Beauty and the Beast has nothing on these amazing transformations. Not only has their physical appearance drastically changed, but they come to court with witness after witness who is willing to testify that they are the best thing since sliced bread. Mothers weeping for mercy, pastors talking about their recent salvation, 3rd grade teachers who offer their spin as to the defendant’s potential, and the list goes on and on. How could the system invoke any penalty on such a well groomed, high moral, type of guy? It would, in fact, be an injustice to punish such an upstanding member of society.
But, what about the crime? Should we even talk about that just a little bit? Should we take a look at the appearance of the defendant when they were booked in, with blood on their shirt and the murder weapon in their pocket? Should we make the jury aware of the three previous arrests, usually for the same crime, that this fine citizen had committed? Should we make the jury aware of the fact that on the night of the arrest, the defendant proudly displayed a tattoo that was derogatory to everyone who did not follow their Neanderthal ideology? No way, that might cause the jurors to show some prejudice to the defendant. That would not be fair! What is important is what this fine citizen looks like today. Orange jumpsuits? How passé. A power tie and a nice suit look so much nicer on Court TV.
Unfortunately, just when we think that the human race is the smartest species on earth, we are faced with reality. It never fails; one juror is sold on this new evolution and thinks that the second (or third or fourth) chance is in order for what the old school teacher describes as one of the most pleasant children in the 3rd grade. Ahhhhh! And with that train of thought, some of the vilest, most vicious and scum of the earth type of people walk out of the courtroom simply to return to the life that they knew before this extreme makeover. Will they be back, you can count on it! There are exceptions to any rule; but if you are a betting man, put your money on this one. You’ll win more than you lose. And when they come back, how many more people have fallen victim since their last appearance? The people in Florida, where nine year old Jessica Lunsford lived, are wondering that same thing today. What will alleged killer John Evander Couey look like when his extreme makeover is completed? But, more importantly what did he look like the last time he made an appearance on the courtroom stage that allowed him to be back on the streets again? Who knows? But, one thing is for sure Couey will get his day in court. It is a guarantee that we make to anyone charged with a crime. So on with the show! Unfortunately, Jessica will not be able to appear in this production.
For further information, visit www.voice4victims.com
If you are interested in having Mr. Hall speak at your next club or group meeting, please email contact information to:
SHallBadgeNotes@aol.com
032005
Archives
|
