Found Guilty & Sick

Have you noticed how sick people get when they are indicted? If they are actually convicted, the maladies become terminal. Courts are probably too lenient on defendants who claim illness. I'm not sure what judges can do to correct this. Two very recent cases bring this to the forefront. 

About two or three years ago Bill Cosby was still performing. He was doing live concerts and TV appearances. He was still animated and active. During his recent sexual assault trial, he appeared as an old blind man. A shuffle to his walk, holding the arm of an aide, and often seen with a cane. He has appeared even frailer and blinder since his conviction. Coincidently, at his sentencing, his lawyers asked that he be able to serve his sentence by house arrest rather than in prison. Their reasoning was that Cosby is an old blind man. He is no longer a threat to society. Of course, if you drug your victims you don't need to be very spry or have 20/20 vision. Besides, prison is just as much a punishment for past illegal actions as it is to protect society. 

The second even more recent case is that of Paul Manafort. Just this summer during his

trial he was the picture of health. Dressed in expensive custom-made suits, perfect haircut, and a big smile, he would stride confidently into court. Now just a few days ago he had to be wheeled into court in a wheelchair wearing a jail jumpsuit and only one shoe. He was also much grayer. I assume they don't issue Grecian Formula 44 in prison. Again, his lawyers say he is in deteriorating health and needs to be transferred to another prison facility. 

Of course, this behavior is all to envoke sympathy for the defendant or prisoner. In Cosby's case, it was first to influence the jury then the judge. Manafort won't be sentenced until February 2019. He is working the health angle now in hopes of influencing the judge to both a lighter sentence and a cushy white collar prison facility with excellent health facilities. 

My conclusion is that courthouses and jails are hazardous to our health. Perhaps the CDC and EPA should look into this. 

These two men are just the most recent example of court/jail induced health issues. They are by no means the first or the last to try this tactic. Almost all criminals profess their innocence. It also seems they develop health issues. Is there a doctor in the (court)house?

wjh