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 …

Liberals and Feminists, Stop Enabling the Police State

“Baran was not truly vindicated when he died. Not in the eyes of the law, represented here by the Democrats’ foul hope for governor, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. Coakley had a chance, in 2007, to acknowledge the state’s grievous …

Bernard Baran’s Memorial Service

photo credit: jim d;entremont

The Memorial Service for Bernard Baran will take place in Boston on October 11, 2014, at 3 p.m. A reception will follow the service. The location is the Staffordshire Room at the Hotel Westin Copley Place…

Bernard Baran, RIP

“Still, it’s inaccurate to say that prison killed Bernard Baran. Even healthy people have aneurysms. Rather, prison took his life.

“Similarly, homophobia did not kill Baran — but it was the accomplice holding the gun.”

http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/bernard-baran-rip/Content?oid=2434976…

Shaken Baby Syndrome Documentary

http://wrongfulconvictionsblog.org/2014/09/06/new-shaken-baby-syndrome-documentary-the-syndrome/

“Editorial Comment: Of course the promoters of this medical voodoo are not backing down. For them, SBS has been their source of livelihood, notoriety, and power.”…

Sex Offender Registries: Time for a Change

“Do you believe that one in every 149 adult males in the country are so sexually dangerous that they must be registered and tracked continuously? I cannot and do not.”

From the Wrongful Convictions Blog, sponsored by the Ohio …