North Carolina Attorney General Calls for Prosecutors to Open Files

[GainesT1958]

www.newsobserver.com/front/story/3382942p-3009375c.html

By JOSEPH NEFF AND MATTHEW EISLEY, Staff Writers

Attorney General Roy Cooper on Monday called on all North Carolina prosecutors to open their files to defense attorneys in first-degree murder cases to avoid wrongful convictions like that of former death row inmate Alan Gell.
"It is important for prosecutors to ensure the integrity of the system," Cooper said. "It is important for both sides to have all of the information in order for there to be a fair trial."

Gell's first trial, in 1998, was a "travesty," Cooper said in an interview that marked his first extended comments about the case. Gell's second trial ended two weeks ago with an acquittal.

(SNIP)

(POSTER'S NOTE: In this state, Roy Cooper's action was not just the right thing to do, it was a brave thing to do, as well. He won praise from several leading D.A.s across the state, as well as from several prominent {Democratic} legislators for his announcement yesterday. Yet another reason why, to me, this guy should be elected to succeed Mike Easley as governor in 2008!)

B-)

[MrBenchley]

1. Good for him!