Jackson Free Press

According to a report by WLBT, Merrida "Buddy" Coxwell has filed a motion informing the court that he and the mayor haven't "reached terms" and that he would no longer represent Melton. According to the story, Melton is negotiating with another attorney, Kenya Martin, to represent him.

Previous Commentsshow

I would have thought lawyers would be lining up to represent a celebrity like Frank for a little of no money. Can you imagine the fame and lift to your image and career you'd get from repsenting an off the chain mayor like Frank - the hotest thing in Jackson since the strip clubs were closed down or rendered cold. Why does everyone want so much money from the mayor? The mayor is quoted in the Clarion Ledger talking about his experiences with lawyers. He singled out my friend and mentor, Mr. Washington from Houston, Texas. Wash, as we call him, is a great lawyer who commands big money. At least Wash responded in kind to some small degree. See the Clarion Ledger. If I had LW's talents I'd post it here too. Will you join me in selling raffle tickets to raise money for the mayor's defense? He didn't ask for this nor does he need it. I'm doing this to show the mayor how much we love him. The tickets are $100.00 per ticket and the winner gets a free dinner and one-on-one time with the mayor.

Walt

Aug 20 2008

As much as I think lawyers would like the honor of representing Melton, I believe it will be a hard case to put yourself in. Lawyers don't want to lose, especially when a federal trial with the mayor is involved- that could be more of a detriment. It's a sticky situation because it takes a lot of time to get together a case such as this and if the mayor is having a hard time pay lawyer bills, it might not be worth it for people such as Coxwell. Whether or not you think Melton is guilty, a lot of time will have to be put in toward defending, as well, prosecuting him.

Sophie

Aug 20 2008

Thanks Sophie for your commentary. If I read the article properly the mayor also wants some assurances of a victory. Not many good lawyers are dumb and low down enough to promise any such thing. However, there are many foolish lawyers who make promises all the time they don't deliver upon when the fee they desire if handed over. I agree this case will require lots of time, concentration, creativity, preparation and briefing to find outs or loophole, assuming any still exist. The old justice department has had plenty time to indict and try this case just right. What the justice department can't predict and overcome at this point is the uniqueness of the individual jurors they haven't met yet. If Frank gets the right lawyers and juors and receives a little unexpected luck with the facts and law, he still may have a chance. Money shouldn't be the test for whether we represent anyone. If the cause for justice is great, good people ought to step in and do what is right for half the money or no money. Apparently the mayor knows this and is counting on it. Our mayor's future is on the line. Since our future is inextricably tied to his, we need to rally to save him. Saving him saves Jackson. Lawyers should ask not what the mayor can do for them, but instead what they can do for the mayor. Anything less ought to be treason that is punishable by jailing or death.

Walt

Aug 20 2008

Sure walt, send me a ticket to hell too. :-)

Queen601

Aug 20 2008

Our mayor's future is on the line. Since our future is inextricably tied to his, we need to rally to save him. Saving him saves Jackson. Lawyers should ask not what the mayor can do for them, but instead what they can do for the mayor. Anything less ought to be treason that is punishable by jailing or death. Walt, this site gets thousands of visitors a day. They don't all know you're kidding. You've got to at least learn how to do a winking-smiley. ;-)

Todd Stauffer

Aug 20 2008

Walt, you need a "chill pill" or in the words of our famous president, George Bush, You need to "Pa u se" (pause). LOL!

justjess

Aug 20 2008

ITodd that would make me predictable and normal. I refuse any such defects! Anyway, should Kenyon win the case, as I expect him to, since his mother and older brother, a lawyer too, attended college on county line road. Kenyon and his other 2 brothers of the same age were imbues, endowed and infused with the kick tail and take names attitude prior to Jackson State, a jewel among black colleges in particular, and all colleges generally. The coupling of county line road training, even if done indirectly, with the great training from JSU, has made Kenyon ready to move forward into the big times among the giants of his peers. Frank is making a good choice by picking Kenyon. He might be young but he's ready. Expect Frank to walk free and still have money for an ice cream "sanmich" afterward. Good luck Kenyon. The community is with you and Frank all the way.

Walt

Aug 20 2008

Itodd, don't run me off though! I'd surely be missed.

Walt

Aug 20 2008

Merrida did such a swell job the last time around, it's surely trouble for Melton that he's jumping ship now. And to think that Merrida was able to "reach terms" with Byron De La Beckwith, murderer of Medgar Evers, but not Melton! If I didn't know better, I'd say Merrida was in that white supremacist group Bobby DeLaughter joined.

Brian C Johnson

Aug 20 2008

A good source tells us tonight, by the way, that Martin has not quite signed up for the job yet. There are discussions, but no agreement. Film at 11.

Todd Stauffer

Aug 20 2008

Good to hear from you, Brian. I know Merrida. He's a very good lawyer and person. He's certainly worth any money he charges. What everyone is forgetting is that Frank isn't your normal guy. The average person would listen to a good lawyer because he would think the lawyer know more about the law, juries and trials. Frank thinks he knows just as much as any lawyer. And people, don't forget that, despite my prognosis of a stellar victory in Franks' behalf, Frank knows his behind is likely to go down this time, so why pay a ton of money for the inevitable.

Walt

Aug 21 2008

I wouldn't let Frank or Michael Jackson anywhere near my children or grandchildren although I like both a little bit. I'm gone for the day.

Walt

Aug 21 2008