At times weeping, defiant, attorney Snyder appears in court for extortion case
At times weeping, defiant, attorney Snyder appears in court for extortion case The Baltimore Banner
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Once-mighty malpractice attorney Stephen L. Snyder appears in court in federal extortion case
Stephen L. Snyder, a former prominent malpractice attorney, appeared in court on Friday for a status hearing in a federal extortion case that has been ongoing for four years. Snyder, who has chosen to represent himself in recent months, appeared alone in court but agreed to obtain standby counsel at the request of U.S. District Court Judge Deborah L. Boardman.
Snyder’s confidence and struggles in representing himself
Snyder expressed confidence in his abilities to speak to a jury but admitted his lack of familiarity with the procedures of criminal court. Despite his experience as a prosecutor early in his career, the majority of his legal practice has been focused on civil litigation. During the hearing, Snyder veered off course multiple times, discussing the impact of the case on his life and attempting to argue for its dismissal.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The case highlights the importance of a fair and effective judicial system in ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law.
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Snyder’s representation of clients who experienced problems from organ transplants emphasizes the need for quality healthcare services and patient safety.
Snyder’s alleged extortion attempt and legal troubles
The federal extortion case against Snyder stems from his 2018 attempt to extract $25 million from the University of Maryland Medical System. Prosecutors claim that Snyder requested the payment as part of a sham consulting agreement, threatening to launch a smear campaign against the hospital’s transplant program if they did not comply.
The role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The case highlights the importance of combating corruption and ensuring transparency in legal and business practices.
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The case underscores the significance of patient safety and ethical healthcare practices.
Snyder’s defense and accusations against prosecutors
Snyder has requested the dismissal of the case, accusing prosecutors of misconduct. He alleges that they selectively edited his comments, tampered with his efforts to ensure the legality and ethics of the consulting agreement, and withheld exculpatory materials. Additionally, federal authorities are reportedly conducting a separate criminal investigation into Snyder’s alleged directive to destroy a memo.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to Snyder’s defense
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The case raises questions about the integrity and accountability of legal professionals and emphasizes the importance of fair and unbiased legal proceedings.
Snyder’s struggle with self-representation and health issues
Snyder expressed his poor health during the hearing and claimed to have spent $20 million in legal fees related to the case. U.S. District Court Judge Deborah L. Boardman questioned whether Snyder could effectively advocate for himself given his emotional state and health issues.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to Snyder’s struggle
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The case highlights the impact of legal proceedings on individuals’ mental and physical well-being.
Snyder’s belief in his eventual victory
Despite his struggles, Snyder expressed confidence in his ability to convince Judge Boardman to dismiss the case. He believes that there was no criminal intent in his actions and that he will ultimately prevail.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to Snyder’s belief
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The case emphasizes the importance of a fair and impartial legal system in resolving disputes and ensuring justice.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the federal extortion case of Stephen L. Snyder, a malpractice attorney. This case involves allegations of attempted extortion and misconduct, which are related to the pursuit of justice and the functioning of legal institutions. Therefore, SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, is connected to the issues highlighted in the article.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
The article mentions allegations of misconduct and selective editing of comments by prosecutors, which can be associated with corruption and lack of transparency in the legal system. Therefore, Target 16.5, which aims to reduce corruption and bribery, and Target 16.6, which focuses on developing effective and transparent institutions, can be identified based on the article’s content.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for Target 16.5: Number of cases of corruption and bribery reported and investigated
- Indicator for Target 16.6: Level of transparency in legal proceedings and access to information
The article mentions allegations of misconduct and selective editing of comments by prosecutors, which can be indicators of corruption and lack of transparency in the legal system. The number of reported and investigated cases of corruption and bribery can be used as an indicator for Target 16.5. Additionally, the level of transparency in legal proceedings and the accessibility of information to the public can serve as an indicator for Target 16.6.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms | Number of cases of corruption and bribery reported and investigated |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels | Level of transparency in legal proceedings and access to information |
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Fuente: thebaltimorebanner.com
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