The court in Florida rendered their "not guilty" verdict yesterday, and the backlash was loud and clear on the Internet. On Facebook, there were overwhelming posts of outrage and disbelief. On Twitter, celebrities and other tweeters voiced their opinions on the trial, overwhelmingly negative toward the verdict. Many critics called into question the intelligence and judgment of the jury.
Look, our justice system is not perfect, but the safeguards are there to keep an innocent person from going to jail, even if it means a guilty person is legally found "not guilty." The jury did what they were supposed to do. The followed the law and the instructions given to them by their no-nonsence judge.
I am sad that Caylee Anthony lost her life way too soon and that we will never "officially" know what happened to her. Having said that, I have a few opinions to express about this whole media circus that has been the Casey Anthony investigation / trial / verdict.
(1) The investigation of Caylee's disappearance and eventually her death should not have been as greatly publicized as it was. There is a difference between reporting the news and sensationalizing it. Speaking theoretically, I feel the sensationalizing of investigators following up on leads and findings (false or fruitful) will affect any potential jury pool, making it nearly impossible for a defendant to get a fair trial. That is a precedent we don't need to perpetuate. This has been a thorn in my side with the media in general for years now, but again, just my humble opinion.
(2) During the broadcasts of the trial, I witnessed a couple of anchors from TruTv speaking of her as if she was already found guilty. Legally, you cannot do that. Now that Casey Anthony has legally been declared "not guilty" by the court of law, coudln't she acquire those videos and sue the station for slander?
(3) Though the "court of law" has found her not guilty, the "court of public opinion" is not through with Casey Anthony. People think she's planning to go out and party to celebrate her freedom? She's going to need to go into hiding! I honestly believe that any public place she goes to will give her a very chilly reception at best. She's going to have trouble finding work; who's going to risk hiring her and losing customers because of it? I seriously doubt she's going to be able to get a book or movie deal, at least not right now. It's like when OJ Simpson tried to get his book "If I Did It" published. The public backlash made the publisher think twice and eventually backed out of distributing his book. I think most studios and publishers know that there will be little positive reception because of Casey's notoriety. Maybe after a few years, but not right now.
(4) I've seen the outpouring of love toward a child explode on line, and it speaks volumes of our humanity. My concern is that we're putting so much energy to mourning (what we perceive to be) the lack of justice toward this child, but what about the children still alive who need love and guidance? What about all the other missing children ... the ones of different races, religions, or ethnic groups? Why aren't their stories being told? What about the other children who are being ignored, neglected and/or abused? I'm not trying to diminish what happened to Caylee; what happened to her was heartbreaking. However, she's already gone. Why don't we try to learn something from her case and try to prevent this from happening to another child?
Remember, I'm just expressing my opinion. Y'all may now commence to tearing my post apart. Bon appetit'
