Conversation

I recently served on a jury for a criminal case which frankly never should have been brought to trial. We returned “not guilty” on all counts with minimal deliberation.

The evidence showed what many have been saying about the USA for a long time:

— White people have a presumption of innocence and PoC are presumed to be the offenders.

— Our legal system (from the officers on patrol on up to the state and federal attorneys bringing the actions) is primed to protect the interests of landlords and other property owners over the common citizenry.

— The responding officer in this case did everything except deescalate the situation. Cooler heads could have avoided the incident entirely.

— Body cam footage is extremely important.

I believe our verdict was both correct and just. However, the defendant was jailed, had to post bond, and incurred extensive expense, missed work, and emotional turmoil fighting the charges. Also simply being charged follows you around, even if you’re exonerated. Nobody is going to repair that or ever make the defendant whole. That is real injustice.