Life Is Not Purgatory
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Reasonable Doubt
It is when unpopular verdicts are rendered - such as in the Michael Jackson case that centre around 'hot button' topics of human sexuality like rape and pedophilia – that the fabric of our justice system is tested.
I sat on a jury for three days, a trial against a man charged with Sexual Assault. We acquitted after in 15 seconds of deliberation, so ‘reasonable’ was our doubt.
The jury made their decision after days of deliberation – we must accept that they did so after the most careful thought and let it be, regardless of how offended we may be at the allegations themselves.
I am certain there were those who questioned our verdict, but all I can say is a jury of 8 women and 4 men were not convinced of the guilt of our accused beyond a reasonable doubt and this jury of 8 women and four men, must have done much the same.
I have no regrets, and most of you know how much of a ‘hot button’ sexual crimes are for me… and I think the Jackson jury will be able to sleep soundly at night.
It is when unpopular verdicts are rendered - such as in the Michael Jackson case that centre around 'hot button' topics of human sexuality like rape and pedophilia – that the fabric of our justice system is tested.
I sat on a jury for three days, a trial against a man charged with Sexual Assault. We acquitted after in 15 seconds of deliberation, so ‘reasonable’ was our doubt.
The jury made their decision after days of deliberation – we must accept that they did so after the most careful thought and let it be, regardless of how offended we may be at the allegations themselves.
I am certain there were those who questioned our verdict, but all I can say is a jury of 8 women and 4 men were not convinced of the guilt of our accused beyond a reasonable doubt and this jury of 8 women and four men, must have done much the same.
I have no regrets, and most of you know how much of a ‘hot button’ sexual crimes are for me… and I think the Jackson jury will be able to sleep soundly at night.
