Tip the Scales

Reality Television?

Regardless of personal opinion, after watching the OJ Simpson trial proceedings on TV, the general public was aware a Not Guilty verdict was a possibility. How do you think the public would have reacted to that same OJ verdict had the trial been closed to media? Like it or not, broadcasting trial proceedings keeps the public incrementally informed and serves to buffer potential outrage at judgment.
The criminal portion of the Sean Bell shooting tragedy wrapped up last Friday with a verdict for the defense dispensed by Judge Arthur Cooperman. Public (or rather civilian) responses were that of shock and dismay while legal minds agree with (or at least respect) the ruling and conclude that the outcome was neither inappropriate nor surprising given the evidence presented. However, Law Enforcement was on high alert on judgment day, anticipating a potentially violent reaction to what many are calling a controversial verdict.
Analysts agree the credibility of the witnesses called by the prosecution left Judge Cooperman with an easy decision even though some felt he was in a difficult position being that it was a bench trial (no jury heard the case). Testimony given by eye witnesses was inconsistent with videotaped interviews taken by police shortly after the shooting which occurred on November 25, 2006. Many of the prosecution’s witness had criminal records, which was of course pointed out by the defense during cross examination.
Some say there should have been cameras in the courtroom, giving the public the opportunity to view the proceedings much like the now infamous OJ Simpson trial. Seeing the 900 pieces evidence, hearing from the 60 plus witnesses and hearing the arguments may have helped viewers to reach the same conclusion as Judge Cooperman, or at least help the lay person understand why he ruled the way he did. The trial lasted 28 days, a lengthy proceeding with comprehensive presentations on both sides would have given viewers a lot to chew on.
The tragic death of Sean Bell, a young African American man shot dead by police on the eve of his wedding, has been likened to the lynching of Emit Till. The accurate (however inflammatory) comparison will likely be raised during the eminent civil trial, where the Bell family will seek monetary compensation in the form of punitive damages. Are we looking at a possible second season?