Description: Deborah Wang reports that notes that Andrew Young (Mayor of Atlanta) was the keynote speaker at a gathering of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund gathered in Boston this evening. Wang notes that many members of the Legal Defense Fund are skeptical of President George Bush's commitment to civil rights; she adds that civil rights advocates are worried about Bush making conservative appointments to the judiciary. Wang interviews Young about Bush's presidency and his possible judicial appointments. Young says that Bush did not exhibit fairness and decency during the presidential campaign. Wang interviews Tom Franklin and Rona Kiley of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Franklin and Kiley say that Bush is beholden to the conservative wing of the Republican Party. Wang reports that there will be several openings in lower courts and a possible opening on the Supreme Court during Bush's term in office. Wang's report is accompanied by footage of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund gathering, by footage of Bush giving a speech and by footage of Ronald Reagan standing by as a judge is sworn in.
1:00:09: Visual: Shots of a gathering of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Attendees of the gathering are socializing in a large room. Footage of Tom Franklin (NAACP Legal Defense Fund) saying that his colleagues do not have a high regard for George Bush (US President-elect). Franklin says that he hopes that Bush will show more character and leadership than he has shown so far. Franklin says that he does not have high expectations for the Bush presidency. Footage of Bush addressing the Coalition of Black Republicans on August 11, 1988. Bush announces the formation of the Black Americans for Bush Committee. Wang reports that many members of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund are skeptical of Bush's commitment to civil rights. Wang notes that Andrew Young (Mayor of Atlanta) was the keynote speaker at tonight's gathering of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. V: Footage of Young being interviewed by Wang. Young says that he wants to believe that Bush is not as bad as his campaign was. Young says that Bush could be counted on for decency and fairness in the past; that Bush did not exhibit decency and fairness during the presidential campaign. Footage of Franklin saying that Bush is beholden to the conservative wing of the Republican Party. Franklin says that Bush will talk about civil rights; that he will not take any action on civil rights issues. Wang reports that civil rights advocates are worried about Bush making conservative appointments to the judiciary. V: Shots of the exterior of the Supreme Court Building; of Reagan standing by as a federal judge is sworn in. Shot of Reagan standing behind an official at a press conference. Wang notes that there may be openings on the Supreme Court; that there will be numerous openings in lower courts. V: Footage of Young being interviewed by Wang. Young says that Bush needs to decide which wing of the Republican Party to represent. Young says that the "Eastern establishment" wing of the Republican Party has generally made wise judicial appointments. Footage of Rona Kiley (NAACP Legal Defense Fund) being interviewed by Wang. Kiley says that Bush has been playing to the conservative wing of the Republican Party. Kiley says that she hopes that Bush will not adopt Ronald Reagan's "litmus test" for making judicial appointments. Shots of the members of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund as they socialize.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/15/1988
Description: Judge Darrell Outlaw gives stiff sentences to small-time cocaine dealers, delivering message that drug trade will not be tolerated on neighborhood streets.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/25/1988
Description: Dorchester District Court justices, Mayor Flynn & Boston Public Facilities Department named as defendants in SJC lawsuit against severe overcrowding & hazardous conditions in courthouse.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/27/1988
Description: Judge James Dolan imposes cell occupancy limit in overcrowded Dorchester District Courthouse. Huge cracks and crumbling stone on exterior and decrepit interior.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/20/1988
Description: Michael Dukakis press conference on criminal justice and law enforcement package. On stage - Lois Pines, Paul White, Paul Harold, Philip Johnston, James Shannon. Legislation includes 1) safe roads act 2) multi-copy prescription bill 3) auto theft and fraud prevention 4) organized crime RICO statute 5) presumptive sentencing 6) better court resources 7) request for new cabinet position - secretary of criminal justice. Dukakis strongly supports furlough program but discontinues it for lifers. SJC Chief Justice Edward Hennessey endorses initiative to increase judges.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/28/1988
Description: 10% of state judges are women. SJC orders study of judicial gender bias. Justice Ruth Abrams. Inscribed courthouse legend "Justice for All."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/05/1988
Description: Judge Herbert Abrams denies receiving call from Edward King about changing sentence of Holbrook 5 (subject of allegedly libelous Globe column). Sal Micciche, former ombudsman.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/22/1988
Description: In libel trial, Edward King testifies to anguish caused by Globe column which alleged that he attempted to influence Judge Herbert Abrams.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/23/1988
Description: Judge Paul Liacos tours decrepit and overcrowded conditions at Dorchester District Courthouse. He looks for an alternative nearby location to conduct judicial business while courthouse is indisposed.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/28/1988
Description: Guilty verdict and life sentence of murderer Daniel LaPlante resurrect interest in death penalty. Barbed wire chain link fence outside prison. Capital punishment. Superior Court Judge Robert Barton.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/27/1988