Respect the Jury’s Verdict

Respect the Jury’s Verdict


Since the reading of the Casey Anthony verdict, it was no shock to me the outrage the verdict reached. I have read many message boards, Facebook, Twitters, that share in the disbelief of the jury’s quick decision that acquitted Casey Anthony of any wrong doing in regards to the death, of her child and the dumping of her remains.

Casey was found guilty of lying to investigators, which amounted to time served for the most part, and a fine. This for many, did not even come close to representing the justice that so many wanted for a two year old girl that became America’s child.

The anger and outrage has been met by some with distain. Often those that hold contempt for this verdict have been scolded as being ‘Un-American’ supporting of ‘Lynch Mob Justice’ and ‘Not understanding the way the law works’ Of course, I disagree completely with such characterizations.

In regards to being ‘Un-American’ or ‘Not understanding the law’ I find these arguments some what amusing, considering some of the same people that accuse such things, have themselves disagreed strongly with jury verdicts of guilty. Their scolding about respecting the jury is lost when the defendant they believe to be innocent is judged otherwise by a jury. Some of these same people have accused past juries of the very same this jury has been accused of…failing to go over evidence, buying into speculation, ignoring common sense. Of course, in our system of justice, at the very least a conviction has the possibility of appeal. Once a person is acquitted, that is it, and for many justice will never be served.

I also find that in reference to ’Lynch Mob Justice’ as being for the most part hyperbole. While I am sure there are a small percentage of people that are unstable enough that would make threats, and even a smaller percentage of those that may act on them, for the most part, the Lynch Mob is looking to make changes in laws, or boycott businesses and media outlets that would allow Casey Anthony, her attorneys, or family to profit in any way from this case. Protesting is also a basic right of our society, but suddenly when it comes to what some believe to be a poor verdict of not guilty, these people become an ’Un-American, Lynch Mob’.

The bottom line is that when a not guilty verdict is reached, aside from being angry, attempting to make changes in the law, and boycotting various businesses or products, there is not much more that can be done.

Like the jurors in verdicts of guilty that have caused anger, these jurors should be shown the respect of not being harassed. If they choose to address the media, their comments of course can be addressed and are open to civil discussion and interpretation in regards to the decision reached.

There is nothing ‘Un-American’ about disagreeing with a verdict. It does not make one disrespectful of the law, nor does it make someone ‘filled with hate’. Should this be the case, then look in the mirror to any and all those that have disagreed with any verdict in the past that was reached, and be mindful in the future, when a verdict is reached that was different than you thought it should have been.