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Affair Between Texas Judge & D.A. Threatens Death Sentence Conviction
 The Axiom Of Respect America's criminal justice system isn't perfect, and at times it has been the source of immense injustice. Nevertheless, it is still one of the best (if not the best) justice systems in the history of the world because of its dedication to principles such as trial by jury, innocence until proven guilty (the state, not the accused, has the burden of proof), and proof beyond a reasonable doubt, as well as its protection against self-incrimination (the Fifth Amendment), cruel and unusual punishment, and double jeopardy. This potential for greatness is why it is incredibly disheartening to hear about individuals who treat their positions of authority in our justice system disrespectfully: Not only do they compromise America and her justice system's reputation with their behavior, but they also fail the American people by casting doubt on their convictions and allowing people who should most likely be in prison to go free. Just recently, it has come to national attention that former Texas Judge Verla Sue Holland and ex-Collin County District Attorney Thomas O'Connell "'had a romantic relationship' from at least 1987 until about 1993." ("Experts Slam Alleged Judge-Prosecutor Affair") According to former Assistant District Attorney Matthew Goeller, the affair was "'common knowledge,'" and now questions are being raised as to whether Charles Dean Hood, who was convinced and sentenced to death in 1990 under Holland's oversight for "killing a 26-year-old former dancer and her 46-year-old boyfriend," received a fair trial. Under oath, Holland and O'Connell admitted their sexual relationship "'would have had a significant impact on the ability of the judicial system to accord Mr. Hood a fair and impartial trial,'" and "about 30 former prosecutors and federal and state judges have already signed a letter sent to Gov. Rick Perry arguing the alleged relationship had to be considered when it came to Hood." Living according to Magna Sententia, you treat your position of authority respectfully, and as a judge and district attorney, this means you act in a way that upholds the integrity of the law. It is highly unlikely that Hood received a "fair and impartial" trial from a judge who was sleeping with the district attorney, and there is good reason for Hood to be granted a new trial. Hopefully, justice will ultimately be served, and in the meantime, Holland and O'Connell really should be "publicly disciplined by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct or the State Bar of Texas." (As of this time, they have not.) Anna and Ellie Sherise
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