Sleeping Attorneys

Re “Judges Reject Appeal in ‘Sleeping Attorney’ Case,” Oct. 28:

The recent ruling by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals highlights the inherent unfairness of the death penalty apparatus in this country. Only indigent defendants are in danger of being subjected to dozing, disinterested trial counsel; those with access to money can purchase the wakefulness of their attorneys.

JERRY WEIL

Seal Beach

*

* A modest proposal regarding sleeping attorneys: Now that capital trials may proceed even when lawyers are asleep, we could do a lot more trials at night and reduce the backlog. Every defendant will have the benefit of a “dream team.” Texas Gov. George W. Bush will rest easily, knowing that the system is working better than ever.

MARK WINDHAM

Venice