Fortunate That First Judge Was On Atlantic City Mayor Criminal Trial

Retired New Jersey Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury was the first judge on the Atlantic City, New Jersey criminal trials of Mayor Marty Small and his wife, La’Quetta Small.

Judge DeLury retired before The Small criminal trials began, due to New Jersey maximum age laws regarding judges.

Judge DeLury Decisions Will Be Felt Throughout The Marty & La’Quetta Small Criminal Trials

Judge DeLury presided over many pre-trial motions. It is DeLury who will set the tone regarding exactly what the jury will ultimately be allowed to hear.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Joseph Levin Has Taken Over The Trial From DeLury

Levin raised a few eyebrows on Day 1 of the Marty Small trial by ruling that alleged previous child abuse will not be heard by the jury.

Levin’s rationale is that the Small daughter waited 9 days before reporting the previous alleged allegations. It takes a lot of courage to report serious allegations. Who cares if an alleged victim waited 9 days to report the allegations?

NOTE: I do understand and appreciate that a judge is hesitant to allow any prior (similar) allegations to prejudice a defendant unjustly.

DeLury’s Military Background Was Perfect For The Marty & La’Quetta Small Criminal Trials

DeLury was firm, but, fair during the considerable amount of time that spent presiding over these two high profile cases.

All of DeLury’s rulings that were appealed by defense counsel … were upheld.

DeLury’s no nonsense approach was exactly what the two Small criminal trials needed.

DeLury Left Behind A Blueprint

Levin would be wise to follow it.

Photos Of The Various Players