Just Curious

Justice served

Edgar Ray Killen, the mastermind behind the 1964 "Freedom Summer" killings of three civil rights worker in Neshoba, Mississippi, has finally been convicted of manslaughter. He was acquitted on the charge of murder since the Jury believed that the State of Missippi should have presented them with more evidence. (Since most of the witnesses were dead, the transcripts of their testimonies, made in 1966-1967, were read aloud in the Court.)

A Juror summed the dilemma up pretty well. He noted that this man "needs to be" convicted, though the State ought to come up with better evidence as well.

Which brings us the question of fair trial. What should a trial judge/juror do when an accused has already been convicted in the hearts & minds of the public?

http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/usworld/8575941.htm

http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/06/21/mississippi.killings/

posted by James Chang @ 8:23 PM