Washington Courts

Kenneth Putnam and his attorney, Tim Kosnoff and Company, lost today.  The jury did not believe the false and fantastic claims of Kenneth Putnam.  But, though Doyle Gillum (deceased), Father Joe Weitensteiner  and Morning Star were vindicated, the frivolous action brought by Kenneth Putnam has surely cost Morning Star Boys Ranch hundreds of thousands of dollars.

For more on the verdict today see Kevin Gramen’s piece in the Spokesman - Review, Jury decides in favor of Morning Star.  After reading the piece go to the “Related stories” section over on the right of the page for many more of Kevin Gramin’s pieces regarding the case.

Generally, attorney Tim Kosnoff appears respectful of the judge, jurors and opposing counsel. He even appears respectful of witnesses, or at least some of them. But, beneath the surface, one must wonder whether Mr. Kosnoff might have a mean streak – a character of disdain and arrogance for witnesses and others whom he dislikes, who contradict his purposes. One must also wonder whether — when he shows this aspect of his personality, his lawyer way of being — he might be trying to manipulate the jury or some of the jurors, into thinking ill of the witness he is addressing.

His cross-examination of Father Weitensteiner Thursday morning (Feb. 4, 2010) seemed to me to be an obvious effort to show to the jury Mr. Kosnoff thought Father Weitensteiner was a bad man, that the whole of Morning Star Boys Ranch was bad.

Here is what he did: Toward the end of his cross-examination he asked Father Weitensteiner what the name of Morning Star Boys Ranch was when it was started. Father Weitensteiner said, “Spokane Boys Ranch.”

Mr. Kosnoff found his hook. He said something to the effect that there was something wrong if the name of the corporation was Spokane Boys Ranch and they used the name of Morning Star Boys Ranch.

When did you start that he said? Father Weitensteiner said “right from the beginning the ranch was also known as Morning Star Boys Ranch.” He said “we used Morning Star from day one.”

Mr. Kosnoff went on. He asked something about where the term Morning Star can be found in the bible.  I knew he was up to something.

Father Joe was caught off guard for a moment. Kosnoff had his hook.

It comes from the book of Isaiah doesn’t it? He pointed out, staring at Father Weitensteiner and looking over toward the jurors.

Father Weitensteiner immediately responded that he knows the term from the Book of Revelations.

Kosnoff stopped at that point.

But, his effort to demean, to diminish, to disdain Father Weitensteiner, and the whole of Morning Star Boys Ranch, might have been understood by some. At least, perhaps he hoped people who heard of his reference to the Book of Isaiah would cause them to read the Book of Isaiah.  Or, maybe remember how the term Morning Star was used in the book.

Kosnoff had done some biblical research and he thought he would be able to use it, to manipulate the minds of jurors a bit.

The term “Morning Star” is pretty much found in two places in the Bible. In the Book of Isaiah where it  means evil, the devil, Lucifer – bad stuff.

And, it is used in the Book of Revelations where it means Jesus Christ. Revelation 22:16. Where it means hope, new birth, re-creation.

At Father Joe’s response, Mr. Kosnoff said “no further questions.”

Inside, I think he was snickering. Or, maybe he figured out Father Weitensteiner is a good man and that he knew the bible truth better than he, and obviously more innocently.

In trying to use this cynical little trick,  Mr. Kosnoff appeared to be on the sleazy side of things.