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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesThe Judge's Remarks Are Remarked Upon

The Judge's Remarks Are Remarked Upon

Dear Source:
I am an advocate in Washington State who has worked for many years with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. What an interesting "slice-of-life" article on the state of affairs in the Virgin Islands.
I presume that this judge (with a straight face) stated: "The real danger to the community are those who attempt to intimidate judges into doing what is popular" (referring to victims' rights groups and media outlets). In so stating, the judge implied that the danger presented by these advocates exceeds that of an un-incarcerated perpetrator of a heinous sexual act.
Wow! Little did I know what Judge Kendall apparently has known all along: the answer to those pesky questions that professionals have continually insisted upon researching and discussing on the subject of "victimization" and the dangers within our communities. (I guess that is why he is a judge, and I am not.) Under this wisdom, what many professionals have failed to discover is that advocates are the root of the danger within communities – this is key information folks! For certainly had we known this sooner we might have rid our systems of them all and solved a significant social concern. Perhaps Judge Kendall is insinuating that there is still time to save ourselves from this plague upon our communities.
In yet another insightful social commentary, "Kendall said celebrity white-collar criminals, such as Martha Stewart and Enron executives, were given time to prepare for jail after their convictions and that Williams, who is unemployed, should have the same right." Judge Kendall must be a very fair man in that he apparently applies this philosophy with all of those who are convicted before him; or so we must assume because to do otherwise would be inequitable. In this matter, Mr. Williams is an unemployed, drug-using-alcohol-abusing sort, who is convicted of a sexual crime and the court saw fit to allow him time to report for his sentence. Who would not qualify under this standard?
So it seems clear that there must be many other criminals amongst the community who are getting their affairs in order; for a judge would not presume to treat one more favorably than the next. It would be interesting to see a follow-up article addressing the impact of this judicial practice upon the community. For example, does the benefit of releasing convicted sexual criminals who have known drug and alcohol issues in order to allow them the time to get their affairs in order, outweigh keeping them in custody? Perhaps Judge Kendall has deep insight into this subject as well that he could share with the rest of the world.
Anne Redford Hall
Washington State

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