US legal scholars have been appalled by reports that Verla Sue Holland, the judge who presided over Hood’s 1990 trial, was at the time conducting a clandestine affair with Thomas O’Connell, the state attorney who was prosecuting the case. Several law professors agreed that however compelling the evidence in the case, it was unthinkable for a murder trial to proceed if the judge and prosecutor were romantically involved.
How could this have gone on for years without being covered up by some political party? Texas does have a history of doubtful legal decisions but then it is a shoot first ask questions later kind of state.
more -
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/worl...icle4749015.ece