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These words are my diary screaming out loud

Monday, July 18, 2011

This whole Casey Anthony mess

OK, first and foremost, I didn't really follow the trial much, but at the very end I was down in Florida with boyfriend's family, and his mother followed it the whole way, so I saw the end. But I've been somewhat fascinated by the aftermath.

I'm no lawyer, but I did take a whole bunch of law classes in undergrad (I thought I wanted to go to law school at one point) and I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. OK, not really. But you get my drift. Here's how I see it.

Something happened. Casey was arrested, charged with First Degree Murder among other things, and (eventually - don't get me started on what constitutes "within a reasonable time") was entitled to a trial by a jury of her peers where the burden of proof, which is on the defense, is beyond a reasonable doubt. For you non-law types out there, that basically means that its not up to her to prove that she didn't do it, its on the prosecution to prove that she did - the old innocent until proven guilty idea - and they must prove it to the point that there is no reasonable doubt in the jury's minds that she did it.

The prosecution failed to prove Casey's guilt. The system worked the way it was supposed to. All of these people that want to scream and protest and call her a baby-killer sound ignorant. Our justice system was set up the way it is on purpose - the founding fathers determined that they'd rather have a few guiltys get off than some innocents be punished. America is fairly unique in that regard. And now the jurors are getting death threats?? Are you kidding me? They didn't ask for this. They did their civic duty. At least one of them has even come out and said that she didn't think Casey was innocent, she just didn't think the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that she did it!

I have less issue with the people's reaction to Casey getting out - karma's a bitch, and if she actually did do it, she'll have to live with it for the rest of her life. But Nancy Grace, give it a rest already. I mean, she obviously has issues she needs to work out, and I wish her the best. But leave the woman alone to deal with her demons (or whatever) on her own.

My personal opinion? The kid died accidentally. Maybe in the pool, maybe not, who knows. But Casey freaked out and didn't report it. I doubt this was premeditated murder. But even if it was, the system worked the way it was intended.

I hate to say it, but I feel like the people still making noise about "justice for Caylee" and all are ignorant. Justice was served, even if you didn't like the outcome.

OK, now I feel better :)

Monday, July 11, 2011

I have no words.

This is why I walk for Arthritis every year. I cried. Please remember, Kids Get Arthritis Too.