GUILTY FL - 17 killed in Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Parkland, 14 Feb 2018 *shooter Guilty, School officer NG* #5

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It wasn't long ago that Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz would have been looking at a near-certain death sentence for murdering 17 people in Parkland, even if his jury could not unanimously agree on his fate.

Until 2016, Florida law allowed trial judges to impose a death sentence if a majority of the jurors agreed. With a 9-3 vote Thursday supporting Cruz's execution, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer would have likely sent him to Death Row for the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High.

Now, however, a vote of anything less than 12-0 means an automatic sentence of life without parole — a standard the Stoneman Douglas families and the head of the state's prosecutors association want changed. That would again put Florida in a distinct minority among the 27 states that still have the death penalty where almost all require juror unanimity.

Ed Brodsky, president of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, believes the Legislature will next year consider changing the law it passed after a pair of court decisions rejected the old law...
 
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It wasn't long ago that Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz would have been looking at a near-certain death sentence for murdering 17 people in Parkland, even if his jury could not unanimously agree on his fate.

Until 2016, Florida law allowed trial judges to impose a death sentence if a majority of the jurors agreed. With a 9-3 vote Thursday supporting Cruz's execution, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer would have likely sent him to Death Row for the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High.

Now, however, a vote of anything less than 12-0 means an automatic sentence of life without parole — a standard the Stoneman Douglas families and the head of the state's prosecutors association want changed. That would again put Florida in a distinct minority among the 27 states that still have the death penalty where almost all require juror unanimity.

Ed Brodsky, president of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, believes the Legislature will next year consider changing the law it passed after a pair of court decisions rejected the old law...
Thanks for the background. Frankly I agree with the unanimous requirement today. Reason is that puts lets say in this case 3 jurors not wanting death in the position of imposing death. If I were one of those 3 I would have a hard time sleeping. I think what is a bit troubling about this result is clearly there was not much time taken to try to bring the LWOP people along...I think that has to do with some issues and maybe even threats in the jury room....foreperson just wanted to get it done as I imagine things escalated. With jurors wanting to speak with judge and filing motions etc. all was definitely not the norm in this jury room.
 
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Thanks for the background. Frankly I agree with the unanimous requirement today. Reason is that puts lets say in this case 3 jurors not wanting death in the position of imposing death. If I were one of those 3 I would have a hard time sleeping. I think what is a bit troubling about this result is clearly there was not much time taken to try to bring the LWOP people along...I think that has to do with some issues and maybe even threats in the jury room....foreperson just wanted to get it done as I imagine things escalated. With jurors wanting to speak with judge and filing motions etc. all was definitely not the norm in this jury room.
That is precisely what happens in the classic (1957) film 12 Angry Men. All but one juror favor the DP when they first start their deliberations. The lone hold out doesn't indicate that he would not vote for death but wants to take time to discuss the case before rendering their verdict. As the jury discusses the case in great detail, one by one they change their votes to life in prison. It is a poignant and riveting film that I have watched dozens of times. Definitely worthwhile viewing.

 
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I think when it comes to deliberations about the death penalty it’s not productive to spend too much time trying to persuade ppl to change their minds. Idk. I feel like if someone is saying I’m not voting for death and they have a strong conviction you’re done! I can’t imagine having to persuade someone to put someone to death. That’s a tall order. It’s a personal/moral decision unlike the guilt phase.
 
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That is precisely what happens in the classic (1957) film 12 Angry Men. All but one juror favor the DP when they first start their deliberations. The lone hold out doesn't indicate that he would not vote for death but wants to take time to discuss the case before rendering their verdict. As the jury discusses the case in great detail, one by one they change their votes to life in prison. It is a poignant and riveting film that I have watched dozens of times. Definitely worthwhile viewing.

Thanks for your reference to this movie that I had never seen. Took some time to watch..wow what a cast and acting and really very on point here. But in that movie the way I heard it was it was between guilty which was automatically DP or not guilty. The reasonable doubt prevailed and as I understood it that boy walked free. This case was different with Cruz confessing to the crime. Maybe I got that wrong?
 
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Thanks for your reference to this movie that I had never seen. Took some time to watch..wow what a cast and acting and really very on point here. But in that movie the way I heard it was it was between guilty which was automatically DP or not guilty. The reasonable doubt prevailed and as I understood it that boy walked free. This case was different with Cruz confessing to the crime. Maybe I got that wrong?
I referenced 12 Angry Men because someone had commented on how the Cruz jurors did not try to convince the lone holdout to join others who wanted the DP. The 1957 film also shows us how tense the jury room can become when there are 12 people with their own life experiences who might not appreciate or understand how others have divergent opinions. I did not mean to imply that the cases or the outcomes were similar.

Some years ago, I saw a high school performance of 12 Angry Women - an updated version of the original drama with an all-female cast. I've often wondered why Hollywood has not produced a new film with 12 very talented actresses. JMO
 
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I thought the movie was really great...in the Cruz case somehow they got to 9-3. I believe the one hard LWOP must have said enough to make the other two comfortable to change but something went on inside that room that warranted three jurors to want to talk to judge. Hope we can find out more this week.
 
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I referenced 12 Angry Men because someone had commented on how the Cruz jurors did not try to convince the lone holdout to join others who wanted the DP. The 1957 film also shows us how tense the jury room can become when there are 12 people with their own life experiences who might not appreciate or understand how others have divergent opinions. I did not mean to imply that the cases or the outcomes were similar.

Some years ago, I saw a high school performance of 12 Angry Women - an updated version of the original drama with an all-female cast. I've often wondered why Hollywood has not produced a new film with 12 very talented actresses. JMO

oh Bette thanks for mentioning 12 Angry Men. I’ve seen the original & the newer version w Tony Dana’s. Both were absolutely fascinating & yes, u are so right, riveting. I have some extra time today & I think I will have to watch it again. I can see why u have viewed it so many times bc it is def a must see! Fab movie & I’m so glad u reminded me of it!
 
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Bold move to put her name/face out there. Even the Gov has condemned the jury’s decision, which is in extremely poor taste IMO. But Vanoy is right! This whole issue of active shooters is a societal problem. Putting NC to death won’t solve a thing! And she’s also right that she’s not supposed to give DP to please the families! That’s not the law.

JMO
 
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The sentencing of Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz will begin Tuesday with victims and family members sharing their heartbreak before him in court.

A jury spared the 24-year-old from the death penalty last month, instead handing down a recommendation of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2018 Valentine’s Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 14 students and 3 staff members.

Before the gunman is officially sentenced, those who survived the shooting and the loved ones of those who were killed or wounded will have the chance to share impact statements.

With so many who wish to be heard, the actual sentencing is expected to take place Wednesday, according to the Broward State Attorney’s Office...
 
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Watch Live: Parkland School Shooter Penalty Phase Trial - Sentencing

 
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I wish I could see his face under the mask.
 
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Just saw the defense say the victims are attacking the children of the defense attorneys and the judge is allowing it. If this is true, it's more evidence that this judge is off the rails.
 
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Max Schachter just made me reorient my whole stance on the penalty verdict! Very impactful statement! I didn’t watch the penalty phase and didn’t realize that NC had received so much help/intervention.

I’m surprised the def atty had the nerve to object! She had to know this judge who hates her (lol) is not going to accommodate her at this point.
 

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