Paul Cortez Defense Fund Blog

New Blog Released

2008-05-18T19:33:49-07:00

Welcome to the new Paul Cortez Defense Fund Blog. As this page is designed to be more interactive and inclusive, please feel free to post any questions or comments should you read an update that piques your interest.

We are confident that by switching to this new format we will better able to share media files and keep interested parties better informed of the latest news in Paul's appeal.

Shopping Cart Feature Now Available!

2008-05-14T19:15:00-07:00

We have recently added an online store to the website, where Paul�??s music may be downloaded and merchandise purchased. In the coming weeks, we will be adding additional items to the online store in our continual efforts to raise funds for Paul�??s appeal.

100% of money received from the shopping cart will go directly to Paul�??s defense fund. Please go to: www.shop.freepaulcortez.org to visit our store.

The Doctrine of Absolute Immunity

2008-05-08T13:42:00-07:00

Sal Osio, Publisher and CEO of the online publication Hispanic Vista, recently cited Paul Cortez�??s case in his article, Absolute Immunity.

In this article, Osio explores the doctrine of absolute immunity; the result of which provides criminal prosecutors and judges exemption from any legal responsibility, despite malicious intent or shoddy performance.

Because of this absolute freedom granted to people in positions of power, many innocent victims are thrown by the wayside and left without recourse to legally right themselves.

Sal Osio and his brother Patrick Osio (Editor of Hispanic Vista) are supporters for justice in Paul Cortez�??s case. Please click here to read Sal Osio�??s illuminating article.

Songs Added to Site

2008-04-29T13:25:00-07:00

We recently added two more of Paul�??s songs to the website, under the �??About Paul�?? section. These two songs, Battleground, and Samsara, were written and performed (including all musical instruments) by Paul.

We will soon offer downloads of these (and additional) songs. Paul�??s band often performed his songs at many hot Manhattan venues like Arlene�??s Grocery, Don�??s Hill, and the Continental.

Attorney Marc Fernich Joins the Fight

2008-04-23T13:18:00-07:00

One of the nation�??s top appellate attorneys, Marc Fernich recently pledged to support Paul�??s case and join the legal team led by Jeffrey Lichtman.

"Having reviewed the trial record and discovery, and after my own investigation of the facts, I am firmly convinced of Paul's innocence and will work tirelessly to clear his name,�?? he said.

Support of prominent people like Marc Fernich is wonderful and hopeful news during this long battle to win Paul�??s rightful freedom. Still, because of the forensic and DNA testing necessary for his appeal, the financial hurdles of Paul�??s appeal remain in the six-figure range.

Many people have asked, �??Why can�??t a lawyer take on Paul�??s case on a pro-bono basis�??Paul's appeal is a massive endeavor, as our legal process is a very long, drawn out process. Premier attorneys can expect to commit the next few years and several thousand hours to such a huge battle, as well as substantial out-of-pocket expenses associated with such a legal process. In fact, the lawyers involved with Paul�??s case have already generously reduced their rates in order to better aid Paul�??s fight for freedom.

If you have any questions or comments, we welcome you to post on our message board.

Brochures Now Available

2008-04-20T13:15:00-07:00

We added a link to the Volunteer section which allows you to print out brochures. Leaving a stack of brochures around your local coffee shop, library, or other public place will greatly increase awareness of Paul�??s fight for justice!

We all have a spectrum of ability to help those in need; unfortunately, Paul�??s need comes in the form of legal fees. If you are unable to donate financially, even hanging a single flyer has the tremendous potential to reach many different people - which, in turn - could be the very catalyst for the Paul�??s freedom.

Myspace

2008-04-02T13:10:00-07:00

If you are a myspace member or have friends who are, please consider adding the Paul Cortez Defense Fund to your friend list and spreading the word. It is vital that more people become aware of this grave injustice!

(Don�??t forget that we are also members of the Facebook community!)

Attorney Jeffrey Lichtman Speaks About Paul Cortez Case:

2008-03-12T22:38:00-07:00

"Like every other New Yorker who followed Paul's case in the tabloids, I assumed it was an open and shut case and that justice was done with his conviction. However, as anyone knows who deals with the tabloid media, sides are quickly taken and objective journalism is not exactly of paramount importance. A mere reading of the record of the trial makes clear to any experienced attorney that a major miscarriage of justice occurred here. It screams from the pages over and over again. In the haste to pin this awful murder of a beautiful young woman on someone -- anyone -- justice was perverted and an innocent man rots in a tiny jail cell. And no one has stood up and tried to stop this. I took this case to ensure that Paul receive the justice that he deserves and that his life is not simply thrown away. He deserves nothing less. Our judicial system deserves nothing less."

Unfortunately, even with a top-notch like Jeffrey Licthman spearheading the case, Paul still needs help to afford the necessary forensic analysis and DNA testing. Please consider donating to Paul�??s defense fund - even the smallest donation helps a great deal - so that he can finally begin to put this nightmare behind him.

Visit Jeffrey Licthman�??s Website

Donations to eBay Could Make Significant Difference

2008-03-11T22:28:00-07:00

The Paul Cortez Defense Fund, Inc. is asking for auction items to sell on eBay in order to raise money for Paul�??s appeal. (100% of the proceeds will go to Paul�??s defense fund.)

If you have any items such (working or broken) computers, cameras, phones, brand name clothing, antiques, jewelry, or collectables, please email: paulcortezdefensefund@hotmail.com for further shipping information.

Any donation is appreciated!

Leading Author, PI Supports Paul Cortez Case

2008-03-07T09:55:00-08:00

Grace Elting Castle, former Director of The Innocence Project, editor of PI Magazine and retired professional investigator, recently stated that Paul Cortez was the victim of a wrongful conviction. Castle�??s leading work in the field of private investigation (particularly for civil litigation) coupled with her experience as a critically acclaimed author of several investigative textbooks, has made her an extremely well-respected and prominent figure-head in the industry. On her website www.cluesonline.com, Castle writes: �??Occasionally, a case arrives that stirs me to action. Recently I received information that convinced me that a young New York man had been wrongfully convicted and deserves a new trial.�??

(Click to read article)