Alec Baldwin's New Book
I just did a TV interview on Alec Baldwin's new book. It matters not whether I am a fan of Alec's, what matters more is that I agree with the premise of his book (which I admit I haven't read yet).
All reports that I've read so far, which quote the book, reference his indictment and frustration with the family court system. "To be pulled into the American family law system is like being tied to the back of a pickup truck and dragged down a gravel road late at night. No one can hear your cries, and it's not over until they say it's over." The dramatization is a bit overdone, given my experience with true crime victims in the criminal justice system, but I must say I've been around litigants long enough to know the pain many of these litigants experience.
As the chief of the domestic violence unit in the Westchester County New York District Attorney's office in 1978, I worked with women who not only were battered by their husbands and boyfriends, but who went through the matrimonial and family courts frustrated, anxious, out of money and beaten down not just by their abusers, but by a system concerned more about numbers than people. There is no criteria by which to judge judges. I know - I was a judge sitting in the family court in New York as well.
It was when I was a newly elected judge that I went to the boss and excitedly told him that I could handle two calendars - translation do the work of two judges. I explained how I could move cases on one calendar while attorneys and their clients conferred, and then hear another case immediately. I felt as though someone had thrown cold water on me when he asked me in a no-nonsense way whether I was trying to " make the men look bad" (I was the first woman county judge there).
Baldwin is right. There is no incentive to move cases or to quickly resolve the issues that are so central to the well-being of families, no matter how broken they might be. There is no sense of urgency or immediacy. When I first sat in the family court and ended a first day of hearing testimony I asked my clerk for the next court date I could continue the hearing. I was told 5 weeks. Not only is this torture for the litigants, but also it forces judges to spend twice as much time reacquainting themselves with the facts.
And as for the lawyers- Baldwin is right again. Who wants to tell me it was better for Christy Brinkley's kids to know that their father engaged in online sex? Why destroy a child's view of his father or embarrass that child in front of his classmates? The problem with lawyers who are paid by the hour or by the publicity is that there is no incentive to resolve these issues quietly, quickly and amicably. Add to the mix a pissed off litigant and there's trouble brewing in river city, my friend.
Yes, Alec Baldwin is right. Sadly, he had to discover the truth the hard way.
The opinions expressed in Jeanine's Journal belong solely to Jeanine Pirro, and do not reflect the opinions or beliefs of the series' producers, AND Syndicated Productions, Inc., its parents and successors, employees, officers, agents, directors, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates and assigns. Producers are not responsible for the accuracy of any information provided by Ms. Pirro. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney in your area.
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We should be able to post the names of these judges on the internet and in papers. These unjust judges must be exposed
The information here is great. I will invite my friends here.
Thanks
I somehow dont agree with a few things, but its great anyways.
I am definitely bookmarking this page and sharing it with my friends.
:)
Enjoyed your comments and observations on the Baldwin situation and the impact of the judicial system. Sad but true facts.
Keep up the opinions format as it helps to understand where you are comming from and I appreciate that.
Enjoy your show.
You inspired me with your comment about continually being conscious of ways to fix the corrupt legal system which you immediately won my utmost respect! Being a product of that same corrupt system and living daily in survival mode because of it (with an ex that has a 6 figure income and pays hardly nothing for support, $280 per month for 3 kids) it has become my focus and mission. I've ran into dead end after dead end because noone dares touch my case because of this particular judge. I refuse to give up and I want him exposed and the attorneys that were involved. My case lasted 1 1/2 years, for no reason other than to take more money and it suddenly ended when every penny of my money was gone! They took every drop of equity from the house, my bank account, even my vehicle, even when the judge told them they couldn't because I would need it for work, they took it anyway. They knew I needed money to fight them and there was none. They also knew that I had to go to the same judge who was assigned to my case. My situation is extremely critical and I've been looking at homeless shelters. The more I'm told, "You got screwed badly but there's nothing that can be done...just let it go." The more I refuse to accept it. It's not ok them to take everything and throw us in the street. I'm 50 yrs old, no college degree, raised 6 kids (one special needs) supported him through college and fled for the safety of my family, married 17 years...I at least expected some spousal support and child support but I got nothing! If a miracle happens and I can somehow stay out of a homeless shelter, the world will hear the judges words and what he did. My court discs have everyone of his corrupt words recorded and I want him exposed! I will make a change, you mark my words! Oh, by-the-way...did you know I don't even have a speeding ticket and I walked into court with 4 police reports of my ex taking the kids when I had sole custody? He was even charged with custodial interferance....criminal offense against children. Where's the justice?
TODAY
TODAY, is the last day I will spend paralyzed in fear, waiting and hoping that someone will hear my silent cries.
TODAY, is the last day I will lay here and be kicked in the face, allowing the bullies with selfish agendas to get away with their evil deeds!
TODAY, is the last day I will walk blindly and condone the ugliness to spread like a scourge to more innocent victims.
Because…
TODAY,
I TAKE MY POWER BACK!
TODAY, is the day I stand up strong and fight with more fight! I refuse to sit quietly in my corner and be a victim any longer by legal thieves who have stolen the very rights they preach to uphold. My rights belong to me! I’ve paid for them through my own blood, sweat and tears and now I’m demanding a return on my investment!
TODAY, is the day my voice will yell loud and proud exposing those behind the masks who sit high upon their self made thrones! In so doing, I will also be screaming your name and your pain, unafraid to be heard!
TODAY, is the day I ask YOU to stand with me growing more powerful in numbers. Because, it is in numbers our voices will carry, ringing volumes until our once silent cries no longer fall on deaf ears!
www.TheVirtualBum.com
Written by Arizona Sunday
I was watching your new show and in one episode you made a comment about how poor some of our judges are and I immediately knew I had to write to you. Please tell me how to rid our courts of unethical judges? Just a quick summary of what I'm talking about. I was married 17 years, raised 6 kids (one with special needs) put my ex through school and never had the opportunity to go myself. Call it a midlife crisis or whatever, my ex became fascinated with a notorious motorcyle gang and became very violent. I had to get a protection order when I left and the judge gave me sole custody and then retired. My ex continually failed to return the kids and was charged with custodial interferrance, a criminal offense! So, in one court my ex is charged and in family court, the judge scolds me for not allowing my ex to take the children on the motorcyle run and that I should have respect for the Hells Angels Motorcycle Gang so for my punishment, he told my ex that he could have Primary joint custody, he denied me any spousal support and less than $300 per month for 3 kids left at home still.(He makes 150K) He also told me to return the knives that my ex had threatened to stab me with and to sell my vehicle! Everyone in the courtroom sat there with their mouths hung open...no one could believe what he had just said and done! My kids even said, "Well, I guess what dad did when he took us was ok?" What do you say to a child when the courts won't even protect them! I'm still confused if it is ok to defy a custody order or not! I walked in court with 4 police records!!! You may be questioning what kind of mother I am since the judge made such a favorable ruling on my ex's side? Well, let me tell you. I don't do drugs and never have, I may have a glass of wine if I go out to dinner at a restaurant, my kids are all in the gifted programs at school and I don't even have a speeding ticket! What has happened since that ruling is a story all in itself. My goal is to somehow make right with all the wrong. I've spoke with at least 6 different attorneys to try and address this but no one will go up against a judge. I've written to the Dept of Justice, no response. My atty representing me just said that the judge doesn't like you and you can't pick another judge so he wouldn't fight for me. This judge is on the ballots again, even with several "does not meet satisfaction" votes but according to another former judge I consulted with, he informed me that there are judges on the bench that do drugs, he said that I basically got screwed and just to give it up and move on with my life! The results of that judges decision is that we've been evicted once already and in one week, we have no rent money again, my kids and I have gone without hot water and electricity. We go from charity to charity like scavangers just trying to survive. Because my credit is now shot, I can't even get a simple job because they check credit here in our state and the state is out of money to assist us. Amazing how one man can have so much say in a persons life! What's the future for my gifted kids? Oh yes, my ex leaves the kids alone while he flys out of town to meet fellow bikers threatening the kids if they tell me about it and he's added to his collection of police reports because of beating someone up. The last atty I consulted with reminded me that, "If you have no money, you have no rights, unfortunately!" Not that I would ever consider turning to our justice system again... Look where it got us, on the streets! The irony of it all is that the kids will end up right back in the very abuse that I tried to protect them from in the very beginning because my ex will take me back to court for sole custody of the children because I'm unable to support them and he CAN afford rights! My friend did come up with this brilliant idea but so far, she's only made a few dollars, not enough to keep us off the street but her intent is good. www.TheVirtualBum.com. You should see the darling portable cardboard "Houses for the Homeless" we've designed...he can take everything we have but he can't take our dreams! As you can see, I kept it short lol! Thank you for listening... We need more Judges like you!
Read with great interest your review of Alex Baldwin's Book.
Found this passge most intriguing:
And as for the lawyers- Baldwin is right again. Who wants to tell me it was better for Christy Brinkley's kids to know that their father engaged in online sex? Why destroy a child's view of his father or embarrass that child in front of his classmates? The problem with lawyers who are paid by the hour or by the publicity is that there is no incentive to resolve these issues quietly, quickly and amicably. Add to the mix a pissed off litigant and there's trouble brewing in river city, my friend.
I followed the Christie Brinkley divorce case closely and felt what transpired was sad on many levels. Your views related to the lawyers were salient. Great job with the review.