Police Practices Group, LLC

Powerhouse Miranda Panel!

sdlurie — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:08:11 +0000

Just returned from Loyola Law School’s Fidler Institute, and a panel on Miranda. My co-panelists included the lead counsel in the Thompkins case, which determined once and for all that the right to silence must be unequivocally invoked, just like the right to counsel. The other panelists included Professor Chuck Weisselberg from Boalt, a foremost researcher on Miranda and police training.

The panel was enlightening and interesting, and I thought the audience got a real sense of the state of the protections today, and into the future. I felt like my “real world” experience was a useful addition to the theoretical portion, and was glad to contribute. Thanks to those who attended; I did see you in the audience, it was just incredibly busy and difficult to break away!

Miranda Panel Tomorrow

sdlurie — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:54:31 +0000

As mentioned earlier, I am a Miranda panelist at the Loyola Law School’s Fidler Institute tomorrow afternoon. The details can be found here. The panel is a group of solid folks, including lead counsel in the recent Thompkins decision, which will change Miranda and police interrogations for certain. Hope to see some of you there!

St. Baldricks Charity Event

sdlurie — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 03:57:16 +0000

On a drastically different subject, I just got home from having my head shaved at a “St. Baldricks” event. This wonderful organization is a massive grantor of research dollars to conquer kids’ cancer. Inspiring moment and great kids…

Appointed as Panelist on Miranda

sdlurie — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 05:02:02 +0000

I am pleased to be sitting on a distinguished panel at this year’s Fidler Institute at Loyola Law in Los Angeles. We will be focusing on developing Miranda standards. My co-panelists include counsel on the recent Berghuis v. Thompkins (No full cite yet, but see the decision here). Berghuis has changed Miranda and police practices in a major way.

To read about the institute and our panel, check the website here. It will be intriguing to see what comes of this conversation.

Testilying Case??

sdlurie — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:13:08 +0000

In perusing the dozens of police cases that come out each month, I am sometimes struck by a scarce few that seem to have real import for the future of police practices.

Take a look at this link, and let me know what you think. The limitations of the appellate court’s power (and their interpretation of “how much” the police may have lied) seem to be the only factors that kept this from coming back to haunt the arresting officers and their case.

As I have said time and again, it is important when dealing with a police client to remember that there are legal, moral, and yes — cultural — issues in play. In light of this decision, it will be intriguing to see what happens in the next few big cases that bring so-called testilying into focus.

September 11, 2010: A Brief Note To Our Service Members

sdlurie — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 15:13:33 +0000

Thank you.

HG Experts Listing

sdlurie — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:30:12 +0000

Hello PPG colleagues,

Just wanted to let you know I added a listing to HGExperts.com to help with new business, referrals, etc. They are an industry-leading expert directory, and should assist with getting the word out. Stop by the information page on PPG and let me know what you think!

BART Officer Convicted; Standby For The Lawsuits

sdlurie — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:37:52 +0000

A few minutes ago, the jury convicted former Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Officer Johannes Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter in the now-famous TASER / GUN case. I have followed this matter a bit, as the TASER is one of my favorite legal subjects, and I find these trials to be interesting barometers of public sentiment.

A few reflections and a few predictions:

First, I think the verdict will be accepted, and violence will be minimal. I wonder, though, if the threat of such violence plays into jurors’ minds when they deliberate a case like this.

I also believe that the use of less lethal weapons like the TASER actually got a boost today. If the verdict had been acquittal, then the drumbeats would have been heard immediately. Reform-minded activists would have called for a ban on their deployment to prevent this type of tragic outcome. By assigning guilt, the jury shows tacitly that TASERs can be used properly.

Finally, a prediction: Oscar Grant’s family and Officer Mehserle are both going to be quite wealthy in a few years. You see, the most damning testimony in this case was actually about his (lack of) training in the use of the TASER device.

The family of the decedent always gets a handsome settlement, and I think we understand, if not endorse, those payments. But I have long wondered when the officers involved in cases like this would start to litigate against the organizations that arm them, and this might just be the case.

Mostly, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Correct verdict? Good lawyering? Let me know what you think…

Advising Uganda’s Justices, And Lessons For Our Own System

sdlurie — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:15:28 +0000

Hello all! I recently had the honor of meeting with several justices from the criminal court in Uganda. They are interested in making some changes to their justice system and are wise to include potential police reforms in these updates. This made me think of so many issues and challenges with our own system.

Why, when reformers come knocking and want to revolutionize the courts, the bar, or attorney standards, they never ask the cops what they think? I fear that too often the “esquires” and “your honors” out there assume that the police practices view is not critical to their policies, standards, ethical codes, etc. What a tragic mistake!

I will stay involved in the Ugandan project because I think it is incredibly worthwhile. I also would like to hear your thoughts. Should police leaders be more closely involved in the bench and the bar?

Take care…

Impressions On The Radio Show?

sdlurie — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:19:29 +0000

Just got back from the KROQ studios. I would like your impressions, constructive criticism included. I can tell you it was:

A. More nerve-wracking than I expected.

B. More fun than I expected.

So all in all not a bad deal. I hope it represented cops in the best light possible. That was the real mission…

Let me know what you think!