I can't say I'm feeling any sympathy for Jodi's family! Until I learn the background story from a reliable journalist as to their family dynamics, the only opinion I have thus formed, is that I find her mother and aunt to be as emotionless as she is. Especially telling is the aunt's constant smirk, considering the real bloodbath her niece is accused of causing.
Sorry, I have to agree! I've been a victim advocate and I would not sit still if any of defendant's family was laughing inappropriately. It just always smacked me as a type of defiance and immaturity. And, it HURT the victim's family to no end to see that behavior. Now, if they want to go to the bathroom, or outside the court room or any where else for that matter and giggle hysterically, that's fine. No control there. But, in a court of law that is supposed to be a safe place and respected decorum, not appropriate. But, again, as a victim advocate, I would always go off of what the family wanted and defend them feverishly! They were my major priority.
As for down times, I must admit, I've never seen so many side bars and it's quite obvious that during these long times, everybody is de-stressing some. I have not seen, however, the victim's family being able to de-stress. But, if they don't mind other's doing it, I wouldn't complain. The defdendant's family, to me, while court is going on, eye ball rolling, giggling, whispering and smiling is just not cool! It's so obvious to me on the stream what they're doing. Maybe in the room it's totally different!
As to her being a human being, I get that too! I know she has feelings and obviously cares for her daughter or she wouldn't be there. The human wreckage from this crime is obvious on BOTH sides. So, I do get she's not a demon or inhuman. So, I don't despise her or wish her ill. I DO wish she would just be more respectful of the victim's family (same for Aunt).
If it was me, as a Mother, I'm telling you, I would drop down on my knees (and I'm NOT kidding) and beg their forgiveness if I had anything to do with it (sorry tears running down my eyes). I'm just so hurt for this family and if someone I knew had anything to do with it, I'd be asking what in the world I could do to heal any and all pain!
Sorry, just my two cents, and that's all it's worth. I love reading other's comments and don't see them as wrong. Takes a village..And to me, it not only takes one to raise a child, but it also takes a village to create a monster, support it and allow it to be - IF we don't stop it.
Sparrow Ivy