CNN- Utah Supreme Court overturns Jeffs' convictions, orders a new trial

[XOKCowboy]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/27/utah.polygamy.ruling/index.html?hpt=T1

(CNN) -- The Utah Supreme Court has reversed Warren Steed Jeffs' two convictions on charges of rape as an accomplice and ordered a new trial, saying that instructions given to jurors were erroneous.

Jeffs, the "prophet" of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or FLDS, was sentenced to two consecutive terms of five years to life after he was convicted in September 2007. He was accused of using his religious influence over his followers to coerce a 14-year-old girl into marrying her 19-year-old cousin.

"We regret the effect our opinion today may have on the victim of the underlying crime, to whom we do not wish to cause additional pain," the court said. "However, we must ensure that the laws are applied evenly and appropriately, in this case as in every case."

Hmmmm.... Imagine that..... :eyes:

[fascisthunter]

1. Me thinks Jeff has the Goods on Prominent GOPers and business people

another pervert hiding behind a god.

[XOKCowboy]

3. Hate to put a tinfoil hat on but..

I'd figure that the Mormon church has it's fingers deep in the UT SC.

[saigon68]

2. Make the VICTIM relive that Hairy Fucker "Mounting UP"

Nice job there Judges!!!! </sarcasm>

[kiapolo]

4. Hate to be the voice of reason...

So does the 5th Amendment only apply to people we like? Due process applies to all citizens of the United States. If anyone blame the prosecutor for screwing this one up. Maybe it will lead to a plea deal, as the ruling does hurt the State's case against Jeffs.

While you may not agree with the outcome of the Court ruling, the reasoning is sound. The State will retry Jeffs with the appropriate jury instructions and there is little chance of a acquittal.

[JonLP24]

5. If the jury instructions were really incorrect

I don't mind this. Try him again, make sure everything is correct, and try to get a conviction.