Nationally, the focus this week was on the sentencing of Ariel Castro, the Cleveland man who imprisoned three women in his home for years and sexually assaulted them. Castro spoke on his own behalf, stating that he “is not a violent person” but is simply “sick,” and claiming that he and his captives lived in “harmony.” While Castro’s self-serving remarks left many observers disgusted, the testimony of a psychologist who has worked with the victims left many inspired. He described how the women helped one another during the dark days of their captivity. Michelle Knight, the oldest and longest-held victim, often “placed herself in between Castro and [a younger victim], taking on physical and sexual abuse herself to protect her friend.” Castro received a sentence of life without parole plus 1000 years, and I suspect that his time in prison may be difficult. In other news: Change in Public Defender Selection Procedure. Among the items tucked into the budget was a change in how public defenders are selected. Formerly chosen by IDS, they will now be picked by the senior resident superior court judge, notes the Greensboro News and Record. Possible Change in Judicial Selection Procedure. S 321, passed by the General Assembly and awaiting the Governor’s signature, would change the way that vacant district court judgeships are filled. Under current law, the local bar chooses three candidates and the Governor selects one of those. Under the bill, the local bar would choose five candidates, but the Governor would not be [...]
Faculty Coordinators
