John Matthew Stephenson
When I start researching a case I go in with the belief that the outcome is the correct one. In cases where a jury trial has occurred I have to believe that the jury "got it right." To have faith in our criminal justice system you have to think this most of the time. Now, I am human, just as juries are and I know that they do get it wrong sometimes. But as a rule, before knowing facts we should always believe in our justice system. If you are a reader of my blog already then you know that by the time it is over I do not always feel that way. And then of course if there is a trial that ends in a conviction there is the sentencing. When the death penalty is being asked for by the prosecutors there is often another "mini trial" so the jury can make a recommendation on the sentence. I am neither an advocate for or against the death penalty. I do think that it is sometimes warranted but no, I do not think that it is a deterrent for other criminals. Sometimes I j...