The Return of Moral Panic–Ross Cheit’s book reviewed

“Is Cheit’s revisionism convincing? Much of his analysis, especially of the McMartin and Michaels cases—which take up more than a third of the book—relies on materials to which the reader does not have ready access, such as trial transcripts, investigation …

The “Sex Offender” Regime is Cruel and Unusual Punishment

“As a feminist, I’m not happy about the equation of masculinity with sexually tinged sadism or the stoicism to withstand it. But answering personal violence with state-sanctioned violence won’t make anyone any less violent.

“For kids, it’s just as likely …

When miscarriages of justice occur, prosecutors must answer for actions

Globe file 2006/Boston Globe

“Looking back at the case would serve a bigger purpose than score-settling. Wrongful convictions like that of Baran endanger trust in the whole judicial system. The Supreme Judicial Court, in its role as the general safeguard …

Why is Daniel Ford still a Massachusetts judge?

“Yet as Baran was reportedly getting repeatedly sexually assaulted in prison, Downing was getting reelected and Ford was getting promoted. Just a few years after Baran’s conviction, Ford was appointed to the Massachusetts Superior Court, where he presides over criminal …

Justice System Failed Bernard Baran

Associated press/Berkshire Eagle, Ben Garver/Associated Press

“Convicted amidst the national panic over supposed sexual abuse of preschool children, Baran fell victim to homophobia, hysteria, and arguable prosecutorial misconduct. While many now recognize these prosecutions as modern-day witch hunts, those responsible …