A new state law may allow letters Kathleen Savio wrote to friends and family to be entered into the evidence in Drew Peterson's murder trial.
Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow says these letters are telling, and that they will allow the jury to hear from Savio herself, "from the grave."
Peterson's defense attorney Joel Brodsky calls such evidence "hearsay," and he has vowed a fight to block their use.
He calls the new law "absurd."
What do you think?
Should the jury hear Savio's words....or is the use of such letters unfair to the defendant?
Comments (2)
I believe that it is unfair for the jury to hear such information. It is highly prejudicial to the defendant with no opportunity to cross-examine the witness. The basic right to confront witnesses is severely abridged by the new Illinois law. There are already many well rooted and tested exceptions to hearsay that are allowed into testimony. Furthermore, the Illinois legislature passed this law specifically to target Drew Peterson. At best, it is still an ex post facto law and should not be used in this case. The legislature can argue all day that Peterson wasn't the target but the argument is lame. One could research news and the legislative record and discover that indeed it was passed to help assist the prosecution of Drew Peterson.
Finally, I don't like Drew Peterson and think that he very well may be guilty. But like him or sot, he is entitled to due process in accordance with the United States Constitution. He has already been convicted in the court of public opinion.
Posted by MAB | May 14, 2009 11:30 PM
Posted on May 14, 2009 23:30
It will get thrown out, it will never hold up.
Posted by wendy | May 11, 2009 3:20 PM
Posted on May 11, 2009 15:20