Dear FRONTLINE,We have a system of laws, not a justice system. They are not synonymous. This Frontline program exposes a blatant example of how the law can be manipulated by some individuals with enough power to push their own agendas. It is, of course those with the least power who get abused by these individuals. It's pathetic.
holden, maine
Dear FRONTLINE, I saw your program tonight on Terrance Garner. My wife and I were completely horrified by the case. There seems to be more than enough doubt in this case and the obvious "you cover my back, I'll cover yours" is sickening. It makes me completely ashamed of our justice system and I think another trial is more than fair. The truth will be known. As Martin Luther King said, "An eye for an eye makes everyone blind."
Eric stamey
columbia, sc
Dear FRONTLINE, The title of this fine documentary is ironic, an "Ordinary Crime" shows the extraordinary problems facing the criminal justice system: investigative bungling and indifference by the police (based at least in part on what appears to be systemic racism in Johnson County, North Carolina); an "efficient" process for convicting people: plea bargains with court appointed defense counsel and "jail house informants"; and perhaps most troubling, the political bias of persons whose offices impart to them the public's trust -- District Attorney's and Judges seeking re-election or higher office, placing their own agendas before their public duties, and their wish to appease frightened constituents to advance their political careers. The cost is not only an absence of procedural fairness, but also the denial of justice.
Tom MacLennan
toronto, ontario
Dear FRONTLINE, How am I supposed to tell my students that they can trust the police and the judicial system to see beyond their skin color. The fact in this case is that a poor, black boy's life is being wasted, and that's just not as important as embarrassment, losing elections and monetary gain. I am damn sick and tired of having to play clean up in my social studies class after the stink of racism, white apathy and the good-ol-boy network again reaches my students. I try hard to believe in Karma or Hell, but I can't seem to muster enough belief for it. I will try harder after hearing the details of this case. I would rest a lot easier knowing that someone somewhere sometime will make these animals pay for what they have done. How dare they even try to close their eyes at night. They don't deserve a moment's peace.
Brett Baron-Marianetti
brooklyn, ny
Dear FRONTLINE, What can we do about this? I don't know if this man is innocent or guilty but that's not important. What is clear is there is no desire for the criminal justice system in this case to pursue the truth. Frankly, the judge who sat on this trial did not preside over this case without prejudice.
shelby, nc
Dear FRONTLINE, I am still in shock after viewing this program and I am very saddened to think that a young man sits in prison unjustly. I honestly don't know how these people can sleep at night - especially Judge Jenkins and prosecutor Lock. I am not sure whether the question here is the criminal justice system or the stupidity and insentivity of the people in charge of it. God help them.
Rosemary Lutz
danvers, ma
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