“This case presents a perfect example of why police misconduct is such a persistent, endemic problem in this city and country; it is condoned in high places.”  This line, from the dissent by Justice Milton Williams, a former police officer, speaks volumes.

Perhaps one of the most disingenuous and facially disgraceful decisions I have ever read, the Appellate Division, First Department, has reversed and dismissed the charges against Police Officer Mark Conway in People v. Conway.

I cannot wait for the opportunity to cite the majority’s language on a “weight of the evidence” argument, though I somehow doubt that they will apply it with as much latitude as given Officer Conway.  Since when did the Court conduct a de novo review of the facts after a conviction, especially when the case was tried by a judge, and elect to view the evidence in the light most favorable to the defendant! 

There is no criticism of this decision that can express the disrepute it brings on the court better than Judge Williams’ dissent.  Please read it.  And if you ever wonder why the cops feel omnipotent, or why regular people feel that the system is a sham and they are powerless to fight it, a decision such as this will make it clear. 

As a little added bonus, for those of you who believe that bad stuff never happens, an unrelated Youtube video.  Beak out the popcorn: