Additional commentary by
Timothy Horrigan
(member of the House Petitions & Redress
Committee)
A similar petition was almost introduced in 2011, but the sponsor, Rep. Lars Christiansen (R-Hudson) withdrew it before it went to the Petitions & Redress Committee. Timothy Dupont was convicted on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, and there appears to be no reasonable doubt that he was guilty. But, he feels the judge improperly influenced the jury. And he also wants to be paroled.
PETITION 13
PETITION FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCE
TO: The Honorable House of Representatives
FROM: Petitioner Representative Lars Christiansen, Hills. 27
DATE: September 23, 2009
SUBJECT: Grievance of Timothy Dupont, Nashua, New Hampshire
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 2, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "All men have certain natural, essential, and inherent rights - among which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting, property; and, in a word, of seeking and obtaining happiness. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state on account of race, creed, color, sex or national origin;" and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 12, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "Every member of the community has a right to be protected by it, in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property;" and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 32, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "The people have a right, in an orderly and peaceable manner, to assemble and consult upon the common good, give instructions to their representatives, and to request of the legislative body, by way of petition or remonstrance, redress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they suffer;" and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 31, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "The legislature shall assemble for the redress of public grievances and for making such laws as the public good may require;"
Now, Therefore, your Petitioner, Representative Lars Christiansen on behalf of Timothy Dupont, hereinafter presents the particulars of his grievance against Judge William J. Groff of the New Hampshire Superior Court and invokes the constitutional authority and duty of the Honorable House of Representatives pursuant to said Articles 31 and 32 to bring about their redress:
Judge Groff, during the trial of Timothy Dupont, engaged in improper behavior which influenced the jurors in that case, including visiting the jurors in the jury room during deliberations; and that
Judge Groff exercised improper influence over the jurors during the trial of Timothy Dupont which resulted in the jury convicting Timothy Dupont.
Wherefore, your Petitioner prays that the House of Representatives:
Accept the within Petition for Redress of Grievance for enrollment and by vote of the House of Representatives appoint a committee to hold public hearings and examine the circumstances hereof; and following such hearings and examination, recommend to the full House of Representatives that it:
Determine if there was maladministration on the part of Judge Groff and consider Judge Groff's removal by Bill of Address;
Hold hearings on the operations of the New Hampshire adult parole board to determine why Timothy Dupont has been refused parole;
Amend the laws of the State to prevent injury.
Respectfully Submitted by petitioner Representative Lars Christiansen on behalf of Timothy Dupont.
September 23, 2009
See Also:
June 5 & June 12, 2011 commentaries by Judge Edwin Kelly & Rep. Paul Mirski
Judge James J. Barry's Hudson School District vs. State ruling
2010 New Hampshire House Petition pages:
Grievance of the voters of the of town of Hudson school district (actually filed without their permission by Rep. Lars Christiansen)
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