Criminal
Aug. 24, 2020
Interpreting the law or ignoring it? Prosecutorial overreach in the face of tragedy
Chelsea Becker was charged with murder after giving birth to a stillborn child. But is that ever, under any circumstances, a chargeable crime? The state attorney general says no.
Theshia Naidoo
Managing Director of Criminal Justice Law and Policy
Drug Policy Alliance
Email: tnaidoo@drugpolicy.org
As lawyers and as advocates, we are continually mindful of the line between interpreting the law in a way that is most favorable to our client or cause and outright ignoring or misapplying a law. This is the difference between zealous advocacy and crossing the bounds of the law. The prosecution of Chelsea Becker is a tragic illustration of crossing this line. Superior Court of Kings County v. Becker, F081341.
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