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June 04, 2010

Letters

Letters to the editor: The Wisconsin Lawyer publishes as many letters in each issue as space permits. Please limit letters to 500 words; letters may be edited for length and clarity. Letters should address the issues, and not be a personal attack on others. Letters endorsing political candidates cannot be accepted. Please mail letters to "Letters to the Editor," Wisconsin Lawyer, P.O. Box 7158, Madison, WI 53707-7158, fax them to (608) 257-4343, or email them.

Some People Really Are Wrongfully Convicted

I read with interest the letter to the editor by Gerald Urbik (April 2010) regarding compensation for individuals wrongfully convicted (under circumstances in which they committed the crime). While I generally agree with his observations, his reference to Steven Avery is incorrect.

Mr. Avery was released based on DNA tests that conclusively demonstrated he was not involved in the attack on the victim. Subsequently, the DNA test determined that it was another individual, presently in prison on another charge, who committed the crime.

It is true that after his release Mr. Avery did commit a brutal murder and was convicted of same. That matter is now on appeal.

A book, written by a person intimately involved in the prosecution of Mr. Avery on the first case, is presently under consideration for publication. It will clearly demonstrate that Mr. Avery was indeed wrongfully convicted on that occasion.

Atty. Ron. A. Kaminski
Manitowoc

Secret (to Understanding) Offshore Accounts

I am a worker’s compensation administrative law judge (with 41 years of lawyering under my belt) and know little to nothing about offshore accounts, which, to be sure, appear to involve a rather sophisticated area of the law. Douglas Frazer’s article, “The Romance and Risk of Secret Offshore Accounts” (April 2010), was written in such incredibly easily understood language that I (like many others) could wrap my mind around the topic a bit. He is truly an excellent legal writer. I suspect many judges adopt the law argued in his briefs simply because they can really understand what it is that he is saying. Kudos.

Judge Joe Schaeve
Madison

Promoting Lawyers’ Well-being

I write regarding “The Science of Well-Being and the Legal Profession” by Paula Davis-Laack (April 2010). The author’s father-in-law and I were high school friends who just recently connected with each other on Facebook. Because I am a practicing lawyer, he sent to me a link to the author’s recent article. I am glad he did.

I am unfamiliar with any of the research to which the author refers in the article, but what she writes I have witnessed. Thank you for articulating those thoughtful ideas. Now, when can I find the time to take that values assessment?

Atty. Phillip Baumann
Tampa, Florida

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