Bob Pemberton's Million Dollar Bail Dissent

DISSENTING OPINION: (Before Chief Justice Law, Justices Pemberton and Waldrop)

Ex parte Christopher Lee Murray--Appeal from 21st District Court of Bastrop County

D I S S E N T I N G O P I N I O N

Although million-dollar bonds continue to invite appellate court scrutiny, even in 2008, the starting point of our review is the record that the defendant has the burden to develop. On the scant record before us here, I would hold that the district court did not abuse its discretion in concluding that Mr. Murray did not meet his burden of proving excessive bail. Accordingly, I respectfully dissent.
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Bob Pemberton, Justice
Before Chief Justice Law, Justices Pemberton and Waldrop
Filed: March 20, 2008
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