In Memory of Susan Denise Atkins-Whitehouse
When We (cough) Reach (gag) A Decision
Before Susan's 1993 parole hearing got under way,
the procedure as to how the hearing would progress
was explained to Susan.
This was done by the Presiding Board of Prison Terms commissioner,
seated across the table from Susan and her attorney.
The Board of Prison Terms,
represented by 3 commissioners at this hearing,
are charged with deciding Susan's future.
The BPT Chair, (Presiding Commissioner),
explains the process to Susan,
speaking at lightning speed,
as if to get said what has to legally be said,
as quickly as possible.
After all attendees have been seated in the room,
and voice-identified for the tape-recorded record,
the BPT Chair addresses Susan...
Before Susan's 1993 parole hearing got under way,
the procedure as to how the hearing would progress
was explained to Susan.
This was done by the Presiding Board of Prison Terms commissioner,
seated across the table from Susan and her attorney.
The Board of Prison Terms,
represented by 3 commissioners at this hearing,
are charged with deciding Susan's future.
The BPT Chair, (Presiding Commissioner),
explains the process to Susan,
speaking at lightning speed,
as if to get said what has to legally be said,
as quickly as possible.
After all attendees have been seated in the room,
and voice-identified for the tape-recorded record,
the BPT Chair addresses Susan...
Chair Commissioner: "Okay, the purpose of today's hearing, again, is to consider
your suitability for parole. In arriving at a decision
we will consider commitment offenses, your prior criminal
and social history, as well as your behavioral and overall
programming since your commitment.
We have reviewed your files,
and prior transcripts and you'll have an opportunity to
make corrections and clarifications as we go. Any time during
the proceedings you have any questions about anything that's
going on don't hesitate to stop us, we'll try to answer your questions"
Susan: "Alright"
Chair Commissioner: "The way this hearing will be conducted today I will be discussing
with you the life offense, your prior criminal and social history
and then we'll go to Miss Bentley at my immediate right,
and she'll discuss with you post condition factors (indiscernible)
in this institution particularly since your last hearing. Then
we'll go to Mr. Nielson to the far right and he'll discuss with you
parole plans. Following then I'll poll the panel to see if they have
any questions, then I'll ask Mr. Kay representing the people of
Los Angeles County if he has any questions, and he'll direct those
questions to the chair, and if you desire to respond to those
questions you'll respond back to me"
Susan: "Yes sir"
your suitability for parole. In arriving at a decision
we will consider commitment offenses, your prior criminal
and social history, as well as your behavioral and overall
programming since your commitment.
We have reviewed your files,
and prior transcripts and you'll have an opportunity to
make corrections and clarifications as we go. Any time during
the proceedings you have any questions about anything that's
going on don't hesitate to stop us, we'll try to answer your questions"
Susan: "Alright"
Chair Commissioner: "The way this hearing will be conducted today I will be discussing
with you the life offense, your prior criminal and social history
and then we'll go to Miss Bentley at my immediate right,
and she'll discuss with you post condition factors (indiscernible)
in this institution particularly since your last hearing. Then
we'll go to Mr. Nielson to the far right and he'll discuss with you
parole plans. Following then I'll poll the panel to see if they have
any questions, then I'll ask Mr. Kay representing the people of
Los Angeles County if he has any questions, and he'll direct those
questions to the chair, and if you desire to respond to those
questions you'll respond back to me"
Susan: "Yes sir"
Chair Commissioner: "Following that your attorney will have an opportunity to
ask you questions directly. When we get done with the questioning
phase we'll go back to Mr. Kay and I'll ask him to make comments
concerning your suitability for parole. Then your attorney will have
an opportunity to make a statement and if you want to address
the panel you can do so following your attorney. We also have
a next of kin here today, the sister of Miss Tate, and she'll have
an opportunity to make a statement.
If she decides to make a statement
she'll be the last one to speak today.
Then we'll recess,
we'll clear the room, the panel will stay here, we'll discuss your
case and when we reach a decision we'll call you back"
Susan: "Alright"
ask you questions directly. When we get done with the questioning
phase we'll go back to Mr. Kay and I'll ask him to make comments
concerning your suitability for parole. Then your attorney will have
an opportunity to make a statement and if you want to address
the panel you can do so following your attorney. We also have
a next of kin here today, the sister of Miss Tate, and she'll have
an opportunity to make a statement.
If she decides to make a statement
she'll be the last one to speak today.
Then we'll recess,
we'll clear the room, the panel will stay here, we'll discuss your
case and when we reach a decision we'll call you back"
Susan: "Alright"
Translation:
We ask you answer we talk you listen
you talk we listen
they talk we listen they ask we answer
you ask we answer-
and when all is said and done,
Susan stays right where she is.
The Board talked because they had to,
but said nothing.
The Board listened because they had to,
but heard nothing.
Susan's parole was denied.
home
We ask you answer we talk you listen
you talk we listen
they talk we listen they ask we answer
you ask we answer-
and when all is said and done,
Susan stays right where she is.
The Board talked because they had to,
but said nothing.
The Board listened because they had to,
but heard nothing.
Susan's parole was denied.
home
