A couple of days ago Oscar Pistorius was found Not Guilty of murder. This (part of the) verdict has been met with social media outrage. It has also exposed humanity to two of its most inherent faults: arrogance and self-importance. Beyond that, the overbearing lack of knowledge in legal procedure has been an embarrassment. Considering the media and public are purportedly far better placed than a Court of Law to deliver the right verdict, it begs the necessity of even having any trials. After all, history quite graphically demonstrates the grand results of public justice; good old witch hunts and majority-inclined lynchings are indeed a blessing for any community. Be that as it may, we are now in a position where it is essential to pick and reflect the correct basis for any judgement we personally support: mob mentality, or due process? The Pistorius trial went on for months. It saw many witnesses, testimonies, experts, case law, legislation, practitioners, and judges. Every one of these were weighed up by a justice system that has developed for far longer than any of us have been alive. This is a justice system which garners the sole function of making these decisions. It is under an obligation to take into account all evidence and make an unbiased conviction. This same system has cleared Oscar Pistorius of charges that he intentionally killed his girlfriend. He has been vindicated of murder- the most heinous of crimes. Yet so many seem to believe that such due process is rendered obsolete in face of a Facebook comment they make. The irritation this causes not only showcases human vanity, but also manipulates a baseless mistrust of the Judiciary- an independent institution (in various states) which we all deserve to rely on with full confidence. Criminalising another human being is not an opinion. So, unless you are more of an expert on the South African Constitution, experienced as a magistrate, aware of the case facts, evidence, legal arguments, and other relevancies than the judges and advocates whom have literally breathed and lived the case for months (receiving all information from primary sources); your accusations hold no weight. For those concerned with culpability, that is another matter. It is undeniable that Oscar shot his girlfriend. Being free from murder only means it was judged (with basis) as not deliberate. He will still most likely be held responsible through manslaughter (or whatever the South African equivalent is). If you want to insult and slander a mans integrity through unfounded proclamations, have the decency to put some effort into reading the full judgement and weighing up evidence as well as expert reports; the Judges sure did, for a very long time.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 15:28:44 +0000
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