On: IBM Exec Husband of Aaron Swartz Prosecutor Takes to Twitter to Defend His Wife

[emkemp]

I'll bite. What should a prosecutor do when the defendent is a suicide risk?

[djt → emkemp]

One of the main problems is that once the prosecutors become lenient with suicide risks then every person prosecuted says they're a suicide risk.

unfortunate for the people that really are at risk.

[glesica → emkemp]

Treat the situation more delicately. Instead of ball-busting the shit out of him, show a little compassion. That doesn't necessarily mean dropping any charges or "going easy" on him, just showing a little compassion and attempting to make the whole ordeal less painful. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty; there should be no punishment of any kind until after the conviction.

[jonknee → emkemp]

Well for starters... Not go out of their way to make examples out of people, especially out of people previously identified as suicide risks.

[btilly → emkemp]

A psychiatric evaluation of whether the defendant is able to stand trial would seem to be warranted.

Also a rethink of how much punishment is warranted.