Talk:Feltus Taylor

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[edit] NPOV.

This article heavily leans toward the description of Taylor as a murderer, without describing any of the events of the trial, such as the witholding of information. Nor does the phrase "American killer" seem NPOV, although I admit that the terminology is debatable.

As I'm related to one of Taylor's defense attorneys, I do not think I can write a NPOV article on this. However, the following facts need to be stated:

During Mr. Taylor's trial he was misadministered a medication which he had to take for a psychotic disorder.

During the sentencing phase of his trial Mr.Taylor had a violent outburst during which he turned over the counsel table in the court room. This happened in full view of the jury.

Mr. Taylor's attorney was not even aware that his client took medication for such a disorder.

More pertinent information can be found at http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/US/taylor640.htm .

As I said, I question my ability to write a NPOV article. However, the whole truth needs to be presented. GenericGabriel 23:38, 20 March 2006 (UTC)

This information in the article was taken directly out of the Louisiana Supreme Court case affiriming Taylor's conviction and sentence. The link posted by you contans manly newspaper articles. It is important not to confuse arguements made by Taylor's attorney's as fact. Some of the allegations you mention above were rejected by Louisiana courts as unfactual. I admit that some of the language sould be cleaned up and I am trying different language in some of my newer articles. Howver, I question how you can put a NPOV tag on the article while stating that you do not think you can be NPOV on the subject? Nolamgm 04:04, 21 March 2006 (UTC)

I believe that the article does not fully represent the case, i.e. his defense. The language of the article focuses almost wholly on the crime, whereas the case itself, which had many and varied complications, gets three sentences. I'm not saying that he should be portrayed as innocent; I merely think critical facts are left out. The medication issues mentioned above were rejected not because the courts thought they were untrue but because the courts did not believe that it had a substantial effect. Regardless, it was a large part of the case, and I'd be happy with the article merely mentioning that there was a controversy over it. GenericGabriel 23:50, 25 March 2006 (UTC)

I think you should feel free to add these facts. With what I do for a living, it could be argued that I can't write a NPOV article on capital punishment either. As long as you have a verifiable source for your information, add it. If we work together we can probably greatly improve the article. Or at the very least keep each other honest. Nolamgm 02:50, 26 March 2006 (UTC)

Great to hear. I'll add as soon as I have time to find citations. Thanks for being understanding. GenericGabriel 03:22, 26 March 2006 (UTC)