Once again, the Maine Senate is compelled, to direct the judicial system of government, to repair a broken court-hearing schedule, in order to keep at-risk children alive (“Senate to courts: Prioritize children,” March 31).
In a recent, 33-0 Senate vote, the chamber approved a bill asking state courts to give scheduling priority to child-homicide trials. Its not a swift justice issue. Rather, it’s about the lawmakers need for child welfare information that only comes to light in a courtroom. Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Cumberland, stated: “We learn at these trials what has happened, where the system has failed. At those trials, we hear things we don’t usually hear because of confidentiality. A chance for us to make some reforms.”
This legislative business of seeking to repair a broken judicial branch, has history. In my third Senate term, Sen. Peggy Pendleton, D-Cumberland, asked if I would co-sponsor her legislation, involving the glaring gap, in homicide sentences, between adults and children. It was an honor to work with Peggy on such deserving legislation. Children who become homicide victims, are denied opportunities to earn life’s accomplishments; factors courts consider in adult cases. Empathy, unbalanced!
Arguably, word of legislative repairs to broken judicial branches, educates citizens’ need to know more about the workings of the judiciary. The public’s awareness regarding responsibilities of executive and legislative branches, is well established.
Example: Three years ago, a 50-year jail term, imposed in a Maine case of gross sexual abuse of a four-year child, was set aside. The Supreme Court ruled that the trial judge erred, in holding a conference with the state attorney; without defense counsel present. The prosecutor was publicly disciplined for answering the judge’s questions. The judge, now retired, got confidential protection, per State Supreme Court rules.
A puzzle still missing a piece.
John Benoit
Manchester
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