Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.

By ChasVoice (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories

Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Revealed: Justice Dept. Prosecutors Average 33 Reckless or Intentional Legal and Ethical Violations a Year

Sunday, March 16, 2014 16:24

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Judge Jay Bybee

A report by the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) found that there were more than 400 serious breaches of legal and ethical conduct by those in the Justice Department from fiscal year 2002 through 2013.

Some of the violations included misleading courts, failure to provide exculpatory information to defendants and violations of constitutional or civil rights.

In addition, it was discovered that those found to be in violation were punished lightly or not at all when their transgressions were discovered.

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) in the Justice Department compiled the data, some of which was available publicly. Most of the information was requested by POGO through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Among the more prominent violations during the period studied: The production of the “torture memos” by George W. Bush Administration-era Justice Department officials Jay Bybee and John Yoo. According to an OPR report, “Yoo committed intentional professional misconduct when he violated his duty to exercise independent legal judgment and render thorough, objective, and candid legal advice,” and Bybee “committed professional misconduct when he acted in reckless disregard of his duty to exercise independent legal judgment and render thorough, objective, and candid legal advice.” Bybee is now a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Yoo is a professor at the University of California at Berkeley School of Law.

Another violation occurred in the prosecution of then-Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska).

Stevens was charged with failing to report large amounts of gifts. Stevens was found guilty, and subsequently narrowly lost a bid for re-election. He died in 2010. The conviction was set aside when it was found that prosecutors failed to provide evidence that could have assisted Stevens in his defense. One prosecutor eventually served one day of suspension in connection with the violations.

In many cases, it has taken years for OPR to investigate violations by Justice Department attorneys. And when it does reach a finding, it often leads to reduced prison sentences for those prosecuted in those cases.

POGO’s report urged changes in the way OPR handles violations. First, it should notify the appropriate state bars of an attorney’s misconduct. It also suggested that OPR increase transparency of its investigations, making it easier for the public to discover government misconduct. Third, the report urged that the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General be given authority to investigate misconduct. Currently, that office does not have that power.

-Steve Straehley

To Learn More:

Hundreds of Justice Department Attorneys Violated Professional Rules, Laws, or Ethical Standards (by Nick Schwellenbach, Project On Government Oversight)

Source: http://chasvoice.blogspot.com/2014/03/revealed-justice-dept-prosecutors.html

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

LION'S MANE PRODUCT

Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules

Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.

Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.

Comments

Visits:	1,708,481,952
Stories:	8,450,474