Here at News Hits we’re usually reluctant to engage in self-congratulation. But this week the crew is succumbing to incredibly heavy pressure from column editor Curt Guyette to announce that one of our pieces, along with a news story he did, garnered a Wade H. McCree Jr. Advancement of Justice Award from the State Bar of Michigan. Handed out as part of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame banquet held at Michigan State University on Saturday, the award recognizes journalists “who foster greater public understanding of the inherent values of our legal and judicial system ...”
Guyette’s original story (“Tainted testimony,” May 3, 2006) dealt with accusations that 3rd Circuit Court Judge Mary Waterstone and assistant Wayne County prosecutor Karen Plants knowingly allowed perjured testimony to be introduced in a case involving alleged cocaine traffickers. To do so is a felony.
News Hits followed up with a piece (“’Taint right,” June 14, 2006) quoting Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who said she found no wrongdoing by officials. Lawyer David Moffitt, who defended one of the accused dealers (now serving at least 10 years after accepting a plea bargain) found Worthy’s conclusions “bizarre.”
That News Hit column concluded by saying:
“Judges and prosecutors and cops swear to uphold the law. Our legal system is based on the belief they will do just that. If they don’t, and are allowed to get away with it, the compact that holds things together falls apart. Which is why prosecution is essential if they appear to have committed a crime, just like any other alleged felon.
“Otherwise, what is the deterrent?”
Wait, wait ...
News Hits is edited by Curt Guyette. Contact the column at 313-202-8004 or NewsHits@metrotimes.com
