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Pocono News Section
Rendell Creates Commission to Investigate Juvenile Court System
Rendell Creates Commission to Investigate Juvenile Court System - Friday, August 7, 2009 at 6:30PM EST
Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Friday, Aug 7, 2009 @ 06:30pm EST
HARRISBURG- Governor Ed Rendell signs legislation that creates a first of its kind commission to investigate the scandal that has become synonymous with Luzerne County.
The governor is flanked by Luzerne County lawmakers and the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ron Castille. "In all my years I have never seen anything like this in the United States, thatŐs what we saw in Luzerne County," said Castille.
It all centers around disgraced judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan. They admit to taking millions in kickbacks in a Ňkids for cashÓ scheme. This blue-ribbon panel will try to determine how it could have happened and how we can make sure it doesnŐt happen again.
State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County was a prime sponsor of the legislation. "I've introduced several proposals one to open up juvenile court proceedings to the news media and mandate counsel for juveniles so it doesn't happen again," said Baker.
For people like the Hughes family of Forty Fort, trust in the courts has to be regained. "They are supposed to be our leadership, they are supposed to be setting an example. What kind of example are they setting for us? We travel around the country, what do we look like to the rest of the country," asked Hughes.
That special commission will be comprised of 11 members that will include the court system, juvenile system and members of the public. Public hearings will be held. The commission must complete its work and make recommendations by May, 2010. | | |
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