You may remember that a while ago we shared David-Dawie Jacobs thoughts on the case. Here are his thoughts on todays judgement - JUDGEMENT IN OSCAR TRAIL: (See also my previous posting of 11/08/2014 below). [not copied over] We have already learned some valuable lessons from the judgement so far: 1: Sound legal arguments prevailed despite the inherent dangers of a media trial, that have been warned against throughout, as also pointed out by the judge, specifically on how it influences witnesses, even if they are not necessarily malicious. 2: The dangers of the state pursuing a conviction at all cost, despite objective evidence pointing against that from the outset, became very clear. The masses and the media, especially the social media, were swept along by this approach. It is very interesting to watch the experts on the special TV channel who are now having serious difficulty in aligning their expressed views with this judgement. And that while many objective observers expected and predicted exactly this outcome. 3: In order to justify the extra-ordinary media coverage, the media maintained all along that this media trial will serve to educate the people. In fact, the best lesson was given by judge Masipa in her sound and logical judgment, she even taught many legal observers the essence of our legal system. There was serious criticism from foreign lawyers on the presentation of the states case. At least the judge repaired some damage in her verdict. Perhaps it was a good thing for our foreign image that she did not need to go into detail on those issues. 4: This remains a very tragic case that impacted on many lives, but hopefully this sober judgement will lead to some introspection by all those who were so quick to judge and condemn. JUSTICE IS TRUTH IN ACTION - Benjamin Disraeli, Conservative British Prime Minister 1851.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:00:25 +0000
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