Rubin Hurricane Carter: Guilty Until Proven Innocent
'"I don't belong here and I am not going to play their game.' 'If I were to cooperate in all these things, it would be as if I were saying, 'I'm a guilty man, and I am not a guilty man"' (New Jersey).
The case of Rubin (Hurricane) Carter has been a heated issue for the last 34 years. In the last year a new movie, The Hurricane, starring Denzel Washington has once again brought this case to the foreground of discussion. The question argued has been is Rubin Carter innocent or guilty of the murders he allegedly committed on June 17, 1966 in the Lafayette Grill in Paterson, New Jersey. The proof is undeniable that Carter is innocent. He had an unfair trial where the police played a negative part, the prosecution suppressed information, and the court also worked against Carter.
Although Rubin Carter is innocent of the crimes committed that fateful night in Paterson does not mean he was an angel. The biggest threat to Rubin's defense in this case was himself. Rubin Carter was born May 6, 1937 in Delawana, New Jersey. He grew up in the nearby town of Paterson (J.K.B. 7). Rubin was a strong-willed boy who learned to stand up to everyone as a child. James S. Hirsch, the author of Hurricane: The Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter wrote, "the men in his family are not intimidated by threats" (60). In chapter 5 of his book, Hirsch explains how Rubin Carter learned to stand up against authority. Born with a stutter, he would fight anyone who dared to make fun of his speech-impediment. Carter once beat up his younger sister Rosalie's teacher when he saw him chasing her. He was expelled from school and beaten by his father. It was displays like this that caused Carter's father fear...
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"Same Judge Gets Carter's Appeal." New York Times [New York] 31, Jan. 1975: 37:8.
Locallo describes the Bridgeport case as being a “heater case”, not only because of the social impact that it will create in the community, but also because of all the media attention it will receive which will influence his possible reelection once his term is over (Courtroom 302, 31). When Frank Caruso Jr. decided that he was going to beat Lenard Clark, an African American boy he created the spark that society needed to get back at the Caruso family for all of the crimes that they got away with in the past. During the past several decades, society has tried to make the Caruso family take responsibility for their crimes, but all those efforts just strengthened the family ties and political positions.
Christopher, Liam. “Mother ‘vindicated’ after girl’s murder suspect held.” Daily Post. 18 Aug. 2006: 19. Proquest Newsstand. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.
...Philip (1986) “Court’s term marked by blows to race bias; justices ok affirmative action, ease challenges to discrimination in voting, pay, jury selection” Los Angeles Times, July 4: Part 1; pg 1; Column 2.
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Smolowe, JillWillwerth, James. "Waiting For The Verdicts." Time 142.26 (1993): 48. MAS Ultra - School Edition.
Through all the hardships and blood, Joan of Arc was a fierce warrior and led the French to complete victory. Starting out in a maiden village, and more of a shock for being a woman, Joan completely transform herself and France. Advancing in a year and a month, crowned a reluctant king, rallied broken people, reversed the course of a great war, and shoved history into a new path (Richey 1); Joan made a name for herself. No one can ever suppress what she achieved at such a young age.
During the Middle Ages of Europe there was a great war between France and England known as the 100 year War. Throughout this war there were many historic battles and many warriors that have had stories told about them over the years. None more famous than a young girl from a small village named Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc lived a short life, but did so much that she has many songs, stories, and even today movies made about her. If there was one person that deserved to have stories told about them, Joan of Arc is that person deserving.
...ing him, and the expectation was that there would be a well-publicized trial rather than a brief in which Ray admitted his guilt and was sentenced.” (Clark 240)
McCarthy, Todd. Rev. of “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc.” Variety 1 Nov. 1999: 87.
Chopin, Kate. The Story of an Hour. 11th . New York, London: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2013. 476-477. Print.
Back in the early 1900s, every African American faced racial discrimination in some kind of way and many did not realize how they were affected. Rubin Carter never gave up as he faced difficult problems relating to racial discrimination. His struggle with prejudice throughout his childhood, and career left a lasting impact on the need for civil rights due to being wrongfully convicted. Racial discrimination was a huge problem in the North during the 1930s and African Americans faced hard times because of this crisis. Clearly, Rubin Carter faced many harsh consequences during his childhood.
Joan of Arc seen her first vision of figures of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret when she was twelve years old alone in a field. When Joan of Arc was thirteen and in her father’s one summer day she heard a voice from God giving help and guidance commanding her to renew the French Nation. With these visions she became more religious.
Kate Chopin is able to illuminate her stories with clever language and meaning. As well as an immense criticism as to how society oppresses the individual in the glorified institution of marriage. Through language, she is able to introduce the thought of deeper meanings. “The Story of an Hour” being a prime example of the individual that has a need for freedom for herself. Through symbolism and straightforward comments, the freedom that Mrs. Louisa Mallard is notable just as her marriage is oppressive.
Joan of Arc a young woman condemned by a church that she sworn to faithfully follow, but is ultimately put to death under their power. In “Saint Joan” Shaw is attempting to show the madness of organized religion. When religion is left to the powers of men, who are unable to put their own agendas aside will led to horrible injustices. Even though Shaw's “Saint Joan” is a story of courage and heroism, in actuality its a story of the hypocrisy of religious fanatics who use their power for their own needs.
"Romer v. Evans." West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005. Retrieved February 21, 2011 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3437703853.html