Third Circuit Chief Judge Anthony Sirica made a brief appearance at the NACDL conference saying –

"I never liked the mandatory nature of the guidelines…..Blakely and Booker have restored some of the balance." He reminded the audience that the defense voice is important. He used Crawford as a second example of the Supreme Court being the branch of government to make a change. He noted how the change has not come from the executive.

It is nice to see a judge taking time from his busy schedule to remind criminal defense practitioners that they play an important role in the judicial process.

(esp)