Using Tort Judgments to Publicly 'Presume' Guilt -- Without Proof -- Before a Criminal Jury Verdict Finds the Accused Guilty or Innocent

Laci Peterson's Mother Files Suit To Bar Scott
From Making A Profit From Daughter's Death
Laci Peterson’s mother filed a lawsuit Friday seeking to bar Scott Peterson from making a profit in the death of his wife and unborn child. The lawsuit asks a judge to transfer any income stemming from the high-profile murder case or from the sale of rights — such as book or movie deals — to a trust account held for the "victim’s beneficiaries." Laci Peterson’s mother, Sharon Rocha, also seeks to prevent Scott Peterson’s current or future "agents, servants, employees or representatives" from profiting in the case, according to documents filed in Stanislaus Superior Court.

FLASHBACKS
Judge Upholds $115M Tort Verdict vs. Rudolph
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A judge upheld a $115 million judgment against serial bombing suspect Eric Rudolph that was awarded to an abortion clinic nurse who almost died in an explosion. In a one-page order released Wednesday, Circuit Judge Helen Shores Lee rejected the claim that Rudolph wasn't properly served with the lawsuit and couldn't defend himself.

Rudolph Pleads Not Guilty
To Bombing Abortion Center
Olympic bombing suspect Eric Rudolph has appeared in a federal court here and pleaded not guilty in connection with a 1998 fatal abortion clinic bombing. This is the second time Rudolph was arraigned. A new indictment was issued that U.S. Magistrate Michael Putnam said would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty. It contained additional wording that was not included in Rudolph's first two-count indictment. Posted by Editor at September 27, 2003 04:09 PM