July 26th, 2012 issue #1130

July 26th, 2012

Controversial constitutionalist: 30 years of defending the people

In the corner is a cardboard stand-up of James Dean– and another of the Beatles in a phone booth. Toy skeletons are all over the place, as well as artwork that hints of a disturbing vision.

read more
Intimidating? Copter may have encircled Cobbs pre-trial

Last fall, Philip Cobbs expressed terror after an assault weapon-carrying team of about 10 officers raided his southeastern Albemarle farm after a helicopter crew claimed to spot two marijuana plants from 500 feet. On the day before Cobbs went to court to fight the resulting possession charge, a helicopter again circled over his yard, an action he considers harassment.

read more
Jury nullification: The elephant in the room

There's an elephant in every courtroom. Prosecutors and judges won't show it to jurors, and even Virginia defense lawyers seem forbidden from mentioning this fact: If you think a law is unjust, you can acquit. This week's cover package • Not guilty: Jury acquits in two pot-plant case

read more
Not guilty: Jury acquits in two pot-plant case

In a case closely watched by civil liberties groups and law enforcement, Philip Cobbs was found not guilty of possession of marijuana in a day-long jury trial.

read more

The week in review

Most number of bummed people: Those who had scored tickets to see Michelle Obama July 20 in Main Street Arena. Understandably, she canceled after the horrific mass shooting...

More coffee: And more hand-tamping at Milli Joe

When you walk into Milli Joe, a new caffeinery at the foot of Vinegar Hill, you know you’re among coffee people. Glass doors open up into a wide-open shop with a dark moc...
Route 29 exits: Calypso, Olivaté close shop

July saw the closing of two restaurants on 29 North, including one that opened less than four months ago.

The story: Why I'm still going to movie theaters

“Oh, boy– you are in for a show tonight, son!” –older cop from The Dark Knight Rises Also by this author: • a cover story about the renovated Jeff...

If you were on a jury, could you convict someone of pot possession?

This week's cover package • Not guilty: Jury acquits in two pot-plant case

Market research credited in Bellair sale

Albemarle 5/15/12 James H. & Sandra R. Price to Brett Darken & Anne Marshall-Darken, 34 Acres, TM 126-25C3, $60,000 Belvedere Station Land Trust to SHR9 LLC, ...

Actively passive: Melding green living with a stylish design

Address: 229 Lankford AvenueNeighborhood: Ridge StreetAsking: $598,000Assessment: $459,700Year Built: 2012Size: 2,250 finished sq. ft., 360 unfinishedLand: .11 acresC...

Property auctions

July 27 at 11:30am at the Albemarle Courthouse Property: 6862 Albevanna Spring Road, Scottsville Debtor: Roger L. Hall life tenant, Diane B. Hall remainderman Original amou...

A waning moon: Dark Knight stumbles (but eventually rises)

The Dark Knight Rises leaves the fanciful early days of the superhero genre far behind and moves into a doom-shrouded, apocalyptic future that seems uncomfortably close to ...

Table of contents

COVERJury's powerJust seating a jury for pot possession trials in Charlottesville is difficult, as a growing majority of Americans consider the laws unjust and that pot sho...

Celebrating Sidney: Blue Moon packed for Tapscott memorial

On a muggy Sunday night, friends of the late Sidney Tapscott gathered at his second home– the Blue Moon Diner– to celebrate the local legend’s life and say go...
Music mayhem: Should live acts play on Market Street?

Two weeks after the city shut down the Black Market Moto Saloon for hosting live music without a special use permit, the doors are open for dinner, and owner Matteus Franko...
Posthumous pieces: Music offers healing after son's death

A posthumous album by a prodigious local guitarist debuted July 6 at the Crozet Baptist Church thanks to a chance discovery and some help from local musicians. The jam band...
Vigil for Tinsley: Friends, family gather to remember shooting victim

Friends and family of shooting victim Pherbia "Faye" Tinsley gathered in Forest Hills Park on Friday, July 20, at sundown for a candlelight vigil to remember the 51-year-ol...

RIP Sidney: Tapscott remembered as colorful, musical citizen

Sidney Tapscott, a man known and loved by thousands of Charlottesvillians, died Tuesday, July 17 at the age of 89. For decades, Tapscott was a ubiquitous presence around do...

Bob's reach exceeds his grasp

With the Commonwealth contributing seven percent of the University's budget, why is any governor making any appointments to the Board of Visitors? ["Bob's mess: 'Please sto...
Derecho coverage left big gaps

The worst thing about an emergency situation like the derecho is the lack of information.If you go on the Dominion web site, you seem to find plenty of it — news releases...

Headless

Headless mannequins make me slightly uneasy. I guess the idea is to focus attention on the dress? Fifth Street Southeast.~Commentator Bill Emory puts up a new photo nearly ...