Having done jury service and witnessed how lawyers can sow seeds of doubt - ie DOUBT beyond ALL reasonable doubt - I thought there was every chance the MURDER charge would fail.
It's the way the court system works.
But it was quite evident Unjustifiable homicide (manslaughter) would AT LEAST apply - as now confirmed.
The judge has given herself time to consider how long the prison sentence should be - no doubt receiving representations/opinions from all sides.
Her reference to the accused's UNRELIABILITY - as to his version of the tragic death - suggests she will hand down a sentence of 10-12 years.
Those wondering why her summing-up scrolled through so much LEGALESE (references to case law, etc) need to be aware there will obviously be AN APPEAL by the Pistorius lawyers - but this will only be heard by a Higher Court if they have grounds for asserting the Judge made some error IN LAW. when reaching her decision.
Their alternatives would in claiming the Judge showed BIAS - or that the length of sentence is too long.
It seemed like a no brainer didn't it? Like the guy claimed he shot into his own bathroom through a closed door because he thought their was intruders in there, but, oh, it was his girlfriend. Doesn't that sound like the craziest murder defense ever?
I didn't even know he was found guilty yet though. I haven't heard but from this question.
The Judge today ruled she found no grounds to support the Murder Charge; however, she will rule tomorrow on a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.
They can't prove premeditated intent. They can prove reckless behaviour and a highly implausible story. That is 15 years.
I am because I thought he would be found not guilty, even though I thought he was guilty.
Judge Masipa hasn't finished summing up. There has been no verdict yet.
He was found NOT guilty. Big difference.
No but I was shocked when I just looked in the mirror.
I knew that ..it's not shocking for me
i was shocked that he wasnt found guilty sooner.
Not Shocked at All :)
(crocodile tears)
yes
not guilty and not surprised
His trial was quite incriminating, no surprises here....
he was acquitted wasn't he?
i dont' even know who that is
no
no
