Drug Policy Forum of Florida | National/International Organizations

On-site, Levy County, Florida - Eve of the Joe Tacl Family Trial

We were overwhelmed by our good fortune this morning to find a picture of Keith Stroup of NORML on the front page of the Gainesville Sun. It seems appropriate as we faced the final pre-trial hours on what will be one of the most publicized Medical Marijuana Trials this year.

Joe Tacl and his family will begin jury selection in the morning (Monday July 26,1999) as over forty patients and activist "Journey for Justice." The Human Rights Vigil and Protest will begin Tuesday morning July 27, 1999 and will be maintained through the night and until the anticipated acquittal Wednesday afternoon. Tents, banners and signs will be prominently displayed.

The Associated Press began their coverage of the Bronson, FL trial for the Sunday Edition. Reports have been received that it was carried in print in Daytona Beach News Journal, Orlando Sentinel, the Jacksonville FL Times Union and the Boca Raton News. Today, Court TV requested and received the trial background and bio's on several of the patients who will be making the journey. Court TV plans to carry this story on their program.

We encourage all of you to attend some or all of this trial. It is going to be an excellent example of how to present the "medical necessity" defense. Attorneys C. Gary Wainwright of New Orleans and Andy Fine of Gainesville are confident that the case will be returned by the jury in our favor.

MS patient Bill Whit, of Broward County, will be making the six hour trip to Bronson as a way to help prepare defense for the his August 2nd trial in Broward. CAMM anticipates being able to continue this important legal defense aide at Bill Whit's Trial through your contributions.

For a more complete look at the Joe Tacl Family Trial and History, check out www.drugsense.org/dpffl

More from Bronson as we proceed into jury selection tomorrow.

Jodi James Coalition Advocating Medical Marijuana

Back to Joe Tacl's Trial page