Ocean, I respect your opinions and did not take your response to my post as snarky, at all.
I have not followed many trials- let alone death penalty trials.
The first trial I followed online was CA. What I do recall was how wonderful most watchers felt both of her Judges were, no one loving the sidebars, and most everyone disliking the defense and their underhanded tactics (witnesses and experts). It was certainly frustrating- the entire process- and that was with the sunshine laws (manna from heaven compared to this crazy secrecy).
What I remember also was the fact that many people turned on the Judge when the verdict came down. I believed during the trial there were many times the Judge held the hands of the defense team (way too much, IMO) and was overly cautious (with the idea of avoiding appeal issues- I was actually grateful for that- even though also frustrated).
IMO The Judge in that case was outwardly shocked when he laid eyes on the verdict. I do not for one moment think he agreed with it either.
I do not for one moment think that a woman that was a prosecutor for 20 years and then decided to become a judge, and by all accounts was good at what she did, with a conscience for justice supports this defendant, is anti death penalty or secretly or overtly supporting this defense team.
That's where I stand. I have not much to compare it too- as you now see.
I guess being a restaurant manager for many years has helped me to recognize (maybe a trite analogy on my part- it isn't meant to be- it's what I know) that stuff rolls down hill (I put the defendant at the top of the hill) and that often times the messenger does get shot in the story or the absolute wrong person or people get blamed for something completely outside their control.
I get the idea that much is within J S Stephens control and yet she has failed to control it- and that I can agree with- I do not however agree with the things I mentioned earlier.
I still respect and admire the opinions of all who think otherwise.
anic::gasp:
