In State v. Collins, the SC Court of Appeals suppressed an involuntary statement by the defendant and reversed his convictions for 1st degree arson and conspiracy. Ordinarily, we think of an involuntary statement as one that is obtained by threats and coercion. In this case, although there were threats by law enforcement, the decision seemed ...
“Know your enemy…” Most of us have heard the phrase, but it’s only one-half of the equation: “Know the enemy and know yourself.” How can we apply this lesson from Sun Tzu’s Art of War to the practice of criminal defense? If we take our duty to defend our clients seriously, we must 1) know ...
Bench warrant in Richland County? What should you do now? The Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office (Richland County Solicitor) is holding a “Fifth Circuit Bench Warrant Resolution Court” event on August 31, September 1, September 7, and September 8, 2021, at Trinity Educational Community Center, 2521 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29204. This is only for people ...
How can we apply Sun Tzu’s Art of War, and the many volumes of commentary on the work, to criminal defense and trial practice? One of the most important lessons that is woven throughout the Art of War is that it is best to win without fighting. Criminal defense lawyers always want to impress their ...
What is statutory rape in SC? Juliet: O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Romeo: In jail, because thine mother hath called for the constabulary, and I now await trial for statutory rape… Wait, that’s not how the story goes… Or maybe it was before SC incorporated a Romeo and Juliet law (also called a ...
One of the pillars of our justice system in America is that no person can be convicted of a crime unless the government proves beyond any reasonable doubt that they are guilty of the crime. But what does reasonable doubt mean? How do you explain “beyond any reasonable doubt” to a jury of 12 people ...