The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "criminal justice system of Maine" ...
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Defending the Damned
"Defending the Damned takes a in inside look at a group of public defenders who normally operate in the shadows of the criminal justice system. The book examines the Murder Task Force of the Cook County Public Defender's Office, a unit that handles only homicide cases. The main narrative is a behind-the-scenes account of how one of those lawyers represents a man accused of killing a Chicago Police Officer in a highly controversial case."
Tags: public defenders; lawyers; homicide; criminal justice system; prisons; Cook County; courts;
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Justice at War
After analyzing the Army Court-Martial Management Information system database it was found that soldiers who broke military rules were more likely to face charges than those who violated civilian law. These violations were mainly aimed at Iraqi civilians and included robbing , kidnaping and killing them. Also it was found that the Army's recruitment has enlisted men of questionable background. Some of these men would not be hired by other law enforcement groups such as the police, due to their criminal records.
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Crisis in the Courts
Walsh's story focuses on a faulty criminal history database. Maine's criminal records system is in complete disrepair, and actually causes more harm than good. Judges and prosecutors find the system so unorganized, they don't know if a defendant has committed any prior crimes in the state. This results in bails set too low and sentences that are too lenient.
Tags: criminal history database; criminal justice system of Maine; Domestic Violence Advisory Committee; Maine Governor John Baldacci