HEADS STATE BAR
Walter H. Anderson, Pocatello,
Honored By Lawyers
HOLD SESSION IN McCALL
Judge Barclay Urges Separation Of
Crime And Insanity Inquiries
Legal Incomes Small
McCall, Idaho, July 24—(AP)—The
Idaho state bar named Walter H. Anderson of Pocatello president today after hearing:
1. District Judge Adam B. Barclay of Twin Falls charge the Idaho criminal laws on insanity are “archaic, out-moded and wrong.”
2. J. L. Eberle of Boise estimate 70 per cent of Idaho’s 556 licensed lawyers have a gross annual income of less than $2000 each.
3. Prof. Bert Hopkins of the University of Idaho declaratory judgments act has been helpful in eliminating litigation.
Anderson succeeds John W. Graham at Twin Falls.
Other Officers
Other officers named were A. L. Morgan of Moscow, vice president; Sam Griffin of Boise, secretary and Eberle, a member of the commission, joining Anderson and Morgan on the board.
Judge Barclay recently sentenced triple-slayer Douglas Van Vlack of Tacoma to die for murder. The Tacoman was accused of killing his former wife, Mildred Hook and two state officers.
“I am persuaded that trial for crime and inquiry as to sanity”—the procedure in the Van Vlack trial at Twin Falls—“should be two different, separate and apart proceedings,” the jurist asserted. “defense of insanity connected with the main trial should not be permitted.”
Settle Sanity First
He suggested the question of sanity should be settled first, then, if the accused is found insane by a competent, state-appointed board the proceedings would be at an end. If found sane, the accused would be given trial.
This should be accomplished, he added, within the constitution as laws regarding insanity are not penal, but paternal. “If it could not be done, then the constitution should be changed,” he concluded.
The convention over which John W. Graham, Twin Falls, is presiding, will be ended tomorrow.
Prosecutors Elect
McCall, Idaho, July 24—(AP)—Ed Babcock, of Twin Falls, was elected president of the county prosecutors’ section of the Idaho bar association here tonight. Willis Moffatt, Boise, was named vice president and Frank Rettig, Jerome, secretary-treasurer.
The attorneys recommended the liquor laws be enforced by the state liquor control commission, and the maximum penalty for operating a car without a driver’s permit be reduced to $300.