Trial Discussion Thread #19 - 14.04.07, Day 17

[whiterum]

My Lady has her arms crossed now. Body language, anyone? If that's not a sign that's she's totally disinterested in this, IDK what is lol.

Hells bells, will someone call for a tea break pleaselease:

 

[Suthrnqt]

Zwiebel, you are Awesome You have done a spectacular job and I truly appreciate your dedication.

:loveyou:

 

[MeeBee]

I agree. The crux of the defense is OP's psychology - his paranoia, the reasonableness of his actions, what influences his actions. You can't build evidence about that by just talking about the night of the shooting. Evidence from his pre-shooting life is critical. No saying it will be convincing, though.

I agree. I thought it was obvious that their explanation for his combativeness and aggressiveness towards those he feels may victimize him, as well as his paranoia (bad neighborhood), was that it stemmed from his childhood and his mother's advice to always stand up for yourself and never come home crying. Hey, maybe it's bunk, but that is how they'll explain it, so, of course, they have to start at the beginning.

 

[james83]

Is it just me or does this feel like the part after someone is found guilty, weird.

 

[sorrell skye]

Wasn't much of an apology to the Steenkamps's for taking their daughter's life, was it? Not. At. All. :no:

No, it wasn't. Most of it was about how it has allegedly affected HIM - cos he's such a victim doncha know.

It was quite reminiscent of his so-called 'apology' text to Reeva, wherein he was sick, he had a headache, he was hungry, etc.

In OP's mind, the sun rises and sets for him and him alone.

 

[DebinGA]

I agree. The crux of the defense is OP's psychology - his paranoia, the reasonableness of his actions, what influences his actions. You can't build evidence about that by just talking about the night of the shooting. Evidence from his pre-shooting life is critical. No saying it will be convincing, though.

Anyone heard anything in his history so far that would make OP paranoid, other than maybe never driving a boat again?

 

[MeeBee]

Is it just me or does this feel like the part after someone is found guilty, weird.

The apology did, but the judge didn't stop him so it must be acceptable in SA.

 

[Val1]

I agree. I thought it was obvious that their explanation for his combativeness and aggressiveness towards those he feels may victimize him, as well as his paranoia (bad neighborhood), was that it stemmed from his childhood and his mother's advice to always stand up for yourself and never come home crying. Hey, maybe it's bunk, but that is how they'll explain it, so, of course, they have to start at the beginning.

I suppose, but panic attacks precipitated by his head injury from his boating accident makes more sense imo. That said, it's still no excuse for murder.

 

[MeeBee]

I suppose, but panic attacks precipitated by his head injury from his boating accident makes more sense imo. That said, it's still no excuse for murder.

Of course not.

 

[patCee]

I agree. I thought it was obvious that their explanation for his combativeness and aggressiveness towards those he feels may victimize him, as well as his paranoia (bad neighborhood), was that it stemmed from his childhood and his mother's advice to always stand up for yourself and never come home crying. Hey, maybe it's bunk, but that is how they'll explain it, so, of course, they have to start at the beginning.

In the UK, for a murder trial, the Probation Service would keep a pre trial file, and submit a report to the court with the defendant's social history, and reaction to the crime. This along with evidence would form part of the sentencing outcome.

 

[MeeBee]

In the UK, for a murder trial, the Probation Service would keep a pre trial file, and submit a report to the court with the defendant's social history, and reaction to the crime. This along with evidence would form part of the sentencing outcome.

In the US it is not unusual for a defendant to go into their life story, if it's relevant to what the defense is going to put forward, during their testimony. It's not always relevant to a defense.

 

[katydid23]

I agree. I thought it was obvious that their explanation for his combativeness and aggressiveness towards those he feels may victimize him, as well as his paranoia (bad neighborhood), was that it stemmed from his childhood and his mother's advice to always stand up for yourself and never come home crying. Hey, maybe it's bunk, but that is how they'll explain it, so, of course, they have to start at the beginning.

Then they did a rotten job so far, imo. His childhood sounded quite normal, even though he had his disability. Many others do as well.

I don't think they painted a picture of abject fear in a horribly dangerous neighborhood at all. And there was mention of a few somewhat mild bullying incidents. Who hasn't experienced bullies?

He talked about having a close supportive family and a nice childhood, in which his supportive mom helped him go on and succeed in his life. And she died young and that was tragic. But I think we all have crosses to bear.

He interspersed his tragedies with his amazing work ethic and global success stories and athletic accomplishments. Those kind of offset his claims of being withdrawn and helpless. imo.

 

[Lyra500]

I wonder if it has been proven that he had not been drinking the day of the boating accident. He had been out on the water all day with friends and family. And then inexplicably crashed the boat in a violent way. Sounds like alcohol to me...:twocents:

Isn't it the case that the police neglected to breathalyse him due to his celebrity status, or have I misremembered?

I strongly suspect that he was drunk.

 

[kaos]

I wonder if the loose skin on his stumps is now going to be used to dismiss the youtube video of him running on them?

 

[sorrell skye]

One of the things I like about this trial is that we're able to catch glimpses of the fact finders (Judge Masipa and the 2 assessors). In a jury trial, we never get to see the jurors, but must rely on reporters to give us information as to how the jurors may or may not be responding to witnesses/evidence.

 

[Viper]

I found it very interesting , finally :smile:, that he left his jeans on the prosthetics when he got into bed. That is a telling bit of information. So with that I went to grab some eggs for breakfast. Did I miss anything else important before they went to break?

 

[Carol70]

I wonder if it has been proven that he had not been drinking the day of the boating accident. He had been out on the water all day with friends and family. And then inexplicably crashed the boat in a violent way. Sounds like alcohol to me...:twocents:

I believe he was never tested for alcohol because those on the scene didn't believe he was under the influence(police/paramedics) Besides, I cant imagine OP to be a very big drinker with taking his training and sports so seriously.

Also, I've hunted high and low and cannot find any confirmation that OP even has a new girlfriend, the paper who "broke" the story was The Sun and others all quoted from them...is The Sun a reputable and reliable news outlet?

I guess I'm a little disappointed that he gave this long life story however, I guess its maybe relevant.

 

[MeeBee]

I believe he was never tested for alcohol because those on the scene didn't believe he was under the influence(police/paramedics) Besides, I cant imagine OP to be a very big drinker with taking his training and sports so seriously.

Also, I've hunted high and low and cannot find any confirmation that OP even has a new girlfriend, the paper who "broke" the story was The Sun and others all quoted from them...is The Sun a reputable and reliable news outlet?

I guess I'm a little disappointed that he gave this long life story however, I guess its maybe relevant.

BBM: Um, is that supposed to be a serious question?

 

[04009margaret]

Yes a big thank you from me! :loveyou:

Same from here. got a visitor just as he was starting on his athletics career, so catching up now.

 

[Gavel Rash]

Even though Roux is moulding the questions to provide an insight into Oscars damaged senses, although I think he's actually losing control of his client.
Interesting examination by Roux though,

I feel vulnerable vs I have never felt disabled
I have compassion vs I will kill to protect
I get frightened vs I take risks

Did you hear him mention how in control he was after losing half his face in the boat accident and calmly calling (using his mobile phone of course) his brother? Uncle? Someone else etc etc matter of fact.

He has an amazing ability to remember things in techno colour psychedelic dream coat type of way.

I'm starting to think he's scripted his whole life for a tele movie series.