Temple Professor Discusses ‘Brain Development’ Appeal in Steubenville Rape Case
Since the “unconscious girls can’t say no” argument didn’t do the trick, Walter Madison, one of the attorneys for the two teenage boys convicted of rape on Sunday, is now trying to blame his client’s brain. To recap, 17-year-old Trent Mays and 16-year-old Ma’lik Richmond were both found “delinquent” (the equivalent of guilty in juvenile court)...
Continue ReadingNew Pennsylvania Liquor Bill Goes to Full House
The Pennsylvania House’s Liquor Control Committee debated Gov. Corbett’s liquor privatization bill earlier this week in a session that went several hours, was almost postponed and eventually led to the passage of the bill by a vote of 14-10. It now goes to the full House of Representatives, and Rep. Mike Turzai, a long-time proponent of liquor privatization...
Continue ReadingPennsylvania Lawmakers Follow ‘Year of the Bible’ with ‘Year of Religious Diversity’
Remember how the Pennsylvania House unanimously declared 2012 the ‘Year of the Bible’ last year, for some reason? Yeah, the resolution never got overturned, although several members of the House, including Rep. Mark Cohen and former Rep. Babette Josephs of Philadelphia, apologized for their vote, claiming they overlooked the language and title of the bill. Well,...
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Kermit Gosnell’s Defense: Case Is an “Elitist, Racist Prosecution”
Stickers adorning the window of 3801 Lancaster, the site of Gosnell's former clinic. (Photo by Tara Murtha) The gag order put on the case two years ago has prevented the truth from coming out about Kermit Gosnell: That’s the argument Gosnell’s lawyer Jack McMahon opened with this morning at the criminal justice center in Philadelphia. Gosnell is the...
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Here’s What State Rep. Brian Sims Says About PA’s Path to Marriage Equality
Former (and perhaps, incoming) presidential candidate Hillary Clinton endorsed gay marriage earlier today—a gigantic win for the future of social rights. “I support it personally and as a matter of policy and law, embedded in a broader effort to advance equality and opportunity for LGBT Americans and all Americans,” Clinton said in the video posted...
Continue ReadingPhillyNow Calendar: Civic Events, March 18-22
Neighborhood Associations are holding Actual Value Initiative meetings (and general meetings) all week, there are some informative readings and panel discussions at the free library, and City Council is taking up resolutions on real estate taxes, among other things. As usual, if you want something listed, email civics@philadelphiaweekly.com. Monday, March 18 Northern...
Continue ReadingSandusky Appeal to Rely on Pennsylvania’s Antiquated Jury Instruction
Jerry Sandusky’s attorney Norris Gelman filed paperwork that reveals the Sandusky defense team’s appeal strategy this week. One of its “major claims” relies, predictably, on casting aspersions on victims’ behavior in the aftermath of assault. (Sandusky, the 69-year-old former football coach at Penn State University convicted of 45 of...
Continue ReadingPaid Sick Leave Passes–But Will It Stick?
Hundreds of protesters showed up for Mayor Nutter’s budget speech this morning. Many of them, from unions like AFSCME DC 47, DC 33, were there to protest specifically against Nutter, being that three city unions are still working without contracts, and many blame the mayor for this. They chanted “Bozo sucks!” before the address began, holding signs of Nutter...
Continue ReadingUnion Protesters Drown Out Mayor Nutter’s Budget Speech
As expected, Mayor Michael Nutter gave a speech to a packed hall of union protesters, angry at the administration for having worked several years without a new negotiated contract. Things had been a little nutty throughout the morning, as the City Council debated earned sick leave and a couple other issues. Protesters had shown up early with signs portraying...
Continue ReadingPhilly a Winner in Bloomberg Mayors Challenge
This morning, Bloomberg Philanthropies — that’s New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s charitable foundation — announced that Philadelphia was one of five cities to win its Mayor’s Challenge, “a competition to inspire American cities to generate innovative ideas that solve major challenges and improve city life – and that ultimately...
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