In the aftermath of the Bill Cosby mistrial, many have been left wondering why the jury could not convict Cosby. After all, Cosby is alleged to have committed 60 sexual assaults on women. Having prosecuted sexual assault cases, despite what some have said was an easy case, nothing is farther away from the truth. No sexual assault case is ever easy to win. Sexual assault cases are some of the most difficult cases to obtain a conviction. And they are also some of the most heart wrenching cases. Due to the psychological issues which surround the victims, numerous issues abound such as inconsistent testimony, long waiting periods in which to bring charges, difficulty remembering and often forgetting details and a host of other issues. My sixteen year old self understands why a sexual assault victim would wait years before coming forward to tell people or to report a crime; my prosecutorial self knows the delays in those cases often make for acquittals or hung juries. The … [Read more...] about Cosby Prosecutor Gave False High Hopes to Victims
mistrial
Why Walter Scott’s Killer May be Re-Tried–Even if Found Guilty
Debbie Hines on MSNBC explains the Michael Slager trial and the implications of the lone juror holdout. Former Charleston, SC police officer Michael Slager, who is on trial for the murder of Walter Scott, after firing 5 shots into Scott’s back, while fleeing from the officer, may get an early Christmas present—his freedom. As of Friday, a jury of 11 white persons and one lone black juror failed to reach an unanimous verdict. Eleven of the jurors support a conviction of either first degree murder or voluntary manslaughter. One lone hold-out states in a letter given to the judge that he or she is unable to come to a guilty verdict and won’t come to a verdict (paraphrased). Judge Newman did not order a mistrial on Friday, December 2. Instead, Judge Newman instructed the jury to go home over the weekend and continue deliberations on Monday, December 5. Michael Slager may have already won his freedom and the right to a new trial with the help of the one lone … [Read more...] about Why Walter Scott’s Killer May be Re-Tried–Even if Found Guilty