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High court was upholding legal profession's integrity

High court was upholding legal profession's integrity

Re: Snarf. Growl. Meow?, editorial, Nov. 20.

As president of the Florida Bar, I would like to point out that lawyer advertising was deemed free speech by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1977 in that it can provide information about legal rights and services to individuals who might otherwise not have effective access to the legal system. However, when a lawyer ad provides consumers with nothing of informational value and is designed to convey the idea that the lawyer engages in prohibited unprofessional tactics, it becomes deceptive advertising and deserves no First Amendment protection.

In addition, there is no constitutional prohibition against regulating commercial speech that is more likely to deceive the public than inform it. Such is the case in the "pit bull" advertising that the Florida Supreme Court found to be in violation of Florida Bar rules of professional conduct.

The courts and the legal profession exist to serve the public. By rejecting the use of these ads, the Supreme Court upheld the integrity of our profession and assured that Florida consumers continue to receive truly meaningful information about legal services in our state.

A compelling story

Re: Inside the Jennifer Porter case.

The five-part series on the Porter case was very well done. I have never written a letter to the Times or any other newspaper before, but I felt it was necessary for me to comment on the article.

My heart goes out to Lisa Wilkins; I could not imagine what she must be feeling right now. I also feel very sad for Jennifer Porter's parents. As for Jennifer, attorney Barry Cohen hired doctors who said she was on autopilot when she left the scene of the accident because she was so traumatized. But she drove back to the area the next day as if nothing had happened. I have read articles and heard interviews with women who had been raped or physically abused by their husbands or strangers and were so terrified it took weeks before they could leave the house with an escort. But Jennifer Porter not only drove through the area, she also was around kids the very next day. Wouldn't that have caused a breakdown if she was so unstable?

I don't know what kind of hell Jennifer Porter is going through and could not care less. But I hope that one day she will be able to admit to herself that she was well aware of what she did, and the only reason she left the scene was to run to the security of her parents because they did just what she knew they would: make it go away. Sure she was given house arrest and probation, but it in no way compares to prison.

Evenhanded, for a change

Re: Inside the Jennifer Porter case.

Although there is room to accuse the Times of beating a dead horse on the Jennifer Porter case, the recent five-part series on the case was certainly a thorough and relatively evenhanded piece of work, which appeared to me, however, to be a complete about-face from all your previous coverage of this tragic accident.

Starting with outrageously one-sided and agenda-driven columns by Mary Jo Melone and continuing through to the front-page story on her sentencing, the Times' coverage of this case has consistently downplayed or ignored aspects that would cast a more favorable light on Porter's actions, preferring instead to pander to those in the community who understood neither the law nor the evidence. Particularly troubling were the misleading and inflammatory headlines that led into the stories and the exclusive use of the emotionally loaded active form, "killed," rather than "died" when referring to the victims.

Those who would make Porter a scapegoat for past injustices and questionable practices by the judicial system are misguided. She is not responsible for any of that.

They routinely try people in the press in banana republics, but it shouldn't happen here.

Facing the future

Re: Inside the Jennifer Porter case.

I grew up in a fatherless household with a very fragile, mentally ill mother, but I put myself through college, then graduate school because I believe one can overcome any hardship. My inspiration was an acquaintance who was a single mother with eight children. She took in boarders for a while, which is how I met her. With eight children to support, she put herself through college, determined to support her family and have a better life for all of them.

I urge you, Lisa Wilkins, to refocus on your life now. Your daughter Aquina would so look up to a mother who was trying to achieve a high school diploma, then a college education, and your sons would be cheering you on from heaven.

Lights on for safety

Re: Jennifer Porter tragedy.

I would like to suggest that all vehicles have their lights on when operating, 24/7 365 days a year.

This is currently done in many new cars. Also, I understand that the state of Indiana started this action decades ago, resulting in a dramatic drop in auto accidents resulting in deaths. I wonder if Jennifer Porter had her lights on at dusk.

I suggested this action at an AARP 55-Alive class and the instructor thought it was a very good idea. This would not have to be a law, just a strong suggestion given repeatedly to all ages.

As a retired public health nurse/R.N. I continue to have strong faith in the effort of prevention. So consider taking just a second to turn on your lights. It could save a life, maybe your own.

Misdirected Arab energies

Re: The man behind the Palestinian hard line, Nov. 20.

I would like to thank Susan Taylor Martin for a very insightful article about Palestinian Islamic Jihad. It is a shame that so many Arab intellectuals spend so much time and effort and money on terrorist acts. They blame Israel for all of their problems instead of directing their anger at their own leaders, like the Palestinian Authority, who have stolen so much money from the people and whose corrupt ways prevent the people from living in peace and developing their economy.

Amazing, but unnecessary

I had the biggest belly laugh I've had in a long time when I read the Nov. 13 article Is Maureen Dowd Necessary? After having seen Dowd on Larry King Live the night before, it was especially hilarious - especially because I personally find her unnecessary.

In spite of her vast array of journalistic talents, she goes way over the top in her condescending portrayal of men. Most men would call her "high maintenance." But whatever you may think of her, she is quite an amazing woman.

[Last modified November 27, 2005, 01:17:13]