DOJ Orders more convictions
The Philippine Department of Justice has ordered courts in the Philippines to increase the conviction rate in human trafficking cases. In other words, too many people are being found not guilty, so the Dept. of Justice is ordering courts to convict them anyway!
Why? Because the Philippine Government is worried that Aid from the USA might be reduced if the Philippines does not convict enough Human Trafficking cases. So, in other words, the Philippine Government is ordering courts to convice more people, even if they are innocent, in order to ensure that Aid continues at present levels!
Now, if you tie this in with Rusty’s article about Abuse, this is downright scary.
What do you think?
Wow…a new data point in the debate on Rusty’s article I think for those arguing that the poorly written child abuse law isn’t that threatening.
The US or a group in the US, I think the government itself expressed disappointment in the Philippines not doing enough to protect children. That was about a year ago, maybe a little less. Still under the Bush administration I’m reasonably sure of that.
Seems like they’ve been busting quite a few to me. Rarely hear the outcome though. The law dealing specificially with human trafficking seems way to vague and broad to me. I don’t know if that’s the reason convictions are low. I think the law would be hard to stand up in a US court but this is not the US and I don’t know how to compare that to the Philippines or if it applies at all.
Grrr I hit send before I meant too, spelling errors and all….
This would make more sense to me if they were sending out a warning to prosecutors to stop dropping cases. I think that’s more likely. I don’t think that executive branch can order the courts to do something. I sure hope not!
The first thing that came to my mind when I read this was not that they wanted more convictions, but likely wanted fewer dismissals (as in of the kind that can be purchased for the right price).
It may be that they would like to have more people found guilty who are actually guilty. Rusty’s comment is interesting: You hear about the arrests, but not much about the convictions.
All that being said, I clearly have no idea. I certainly don’t mind them convicting guilty people. I kind of have a problem with convicting innocent people, though.
I hope there is separation of judicial from executive office in the Philippines.
“orders”
Now I need a xanax and a cigar.
Hi rc – Yes, it’s a new data point to consider. I am not sure how I understand your comment, though. I think you are saying that it is a point in favor of those arguing that the law isn’t threatening. I feel that it is the opposite! The Justice Dept is saying that in order to keep getting aid money from the USA, they need to convict more people. Thus, to me, it would seem that it endangers the innocent, because they may be convicted even if they have done nothing, just to ensure that the aid keeps rolling in.
Hi Rusty – This thing seems kind of strange me too. I mean the DoJ is the branch of government that prosecutes people. They are “ordering” the courts to convict more people to ensure aid keeps rolling in. Doesn’t sound right to me!
Hi Bob…poorly written comment on my part…darn words, but at least I don’t claim to be a lawyer or lawmaker
I meant to say it’s another data point against those who say the child abuse law is not a threat. Sorry for the confusion.
Hi Rusty – That’s what I think too. But, on ANC the specifically said “DOJ orders courts” which surprised me greatly!
Hi Rusty – I sure hope that’s what they meant. But it’s pretty sloppy wording if that is the case (I’m not one to talk, but read my mea culpa above about that).
Hi rc – I kind of thought that’s what you meant! But, the words seemed the opposite to me! Ha ha… don’t worry, I’m guilty of doing that sometimes myself! Like you, I’m not a lawyer either! Of course, those guys can argue that any words mean whatever the lawyer wants them to mean!
Hi Tom N – I’m all for convicting the guilty, and do with them whatever needs to be done… but to convict people just to keep aid rolling in is a dangerous path!
I agree. I hope that is not what is happening here. That being said, aid is important to the Philippines and I could well imagine some folks thinking that more convictions sounds like a way to make that keep coming.
aid is important to the philippines but dont bite the hand that feeds you by putting innocent american citizens in your jails unjustly.
Hi mike – exactly!