John Grega and equal justice before the law

The John Grega case has caught the attention of the media in a big way. Reporting on this legal battle in Brattleboro is worldwide. The case involves a man convicted of killing his wife some 18 years ago. The evidence was circumstantial, and new DNA evidence has all but cleared him of the crime for which he has spent 18 years in prison.

Another man’s DNA "fingerprints" have been located all over the victim’s body samples submitted to the lab years ago. New, groundbreaking means to test DNA samples have provided this new evidence which lawyers say creates a "reasonable doubt" that Grega committed the crime. However, the authorities in Brattleboro are saying "no way!" The state’s attorney is steadfastly against clearing Grega based on the DNA evidence. She is maintaining that he is still guilty. This all came crashing down on the Windham District Court in Brattleboro last week when the judge ordered Grega to remain in jail. A hearing will be scheduled when the judge’s calendar is clear.

This case is a prime example of how our court system in America is biased and acts in an arbitrary manner. If the person rotting in jail was a relative of the same state’s attorney who is against Grega’s release from jail would she feel the same way? Would she stand up in court and say that she wants her mother to rot in jail in spite of the new evidence which may prove her innocence? I think not! Would the judge in this case rule differently if the person in jail was his father? If the prisoner was a cop or an "important person" would they be released? I believe that things would be substantially different in that event.

So, why are the courts so biased toward some people? I believe it is something that has taken years to evolve. Money talks in America. The courts used to be fairly equal to everyone. But nowadays things are different. High-priced lawyers and high-profile clients are that news of the day. Nobody really gives a damn about the little guy who is a "nobody." Power and money are what drive the legal system in America. For that matter, power and money drive our entire society! It’s not just the courts that are biased. I’m bringing up this legal battle because I believe it demonstrates this bias very clearly.

What can be done about the legal bias in America? Lawyers rule the legal system, so we "common men" have no say about it. To really make a difference lawyers must draw the line in the sand and speak up! That will not happen. We "common" everyday folks must speak up. Even if John Grega is not a friend or relative we must still speak out against the bias. If he was a parent or child to us would we care? Would we stand up and be counted? Why wait for the crap to hit the fan before speaking up? Maybe if it was a little closer to home we’d care!

Just being aware of the problem is not enough, but it is a start. So, tune into this legal battle and stay awake!

THOMAS WAYNE KING

Pownal