I am totally with you on that one and would need solid proof, e.g. brutal b*stards on video (if not wearing a mask) doing something vile, before having a person executed. The 'justice' system in I guess every country is flawed. The first issue is cash - if you have it you can get away with most things, if you don't have it then it is pot-luck. Then you have those falsely accused being left a long time in prison awaiting trial, or being on bail but still under immense pressure, and then facing a fit and healthy prosecution - not an equal battle. Also, the prosecution must be under pressure to achieve targets (I don't know this for a fact, but keeping almost every job involves producing the goods) and perhaps a jury is there to be manipulated - the jury being ordinary people who often know little. On that basis I am against the death penalty for general use. Too many executed innocents pardoned posthumously - a great help! Even if not executed, some innocents spend most of their lives in prison. Imagine waking up every day knowing you are innocent but seeing no hope. I think in the Philippines it is trial by a Judge and not a Jury - that seems better (but reasons can be thought of as why not in some circumstances!). Perhaps AI will one day replace juries and absolute truth will prevail.
if you think about it for a moment, your first paragraph is a pretty good statement of the status quo.
Rye83... if you've never seen the movie "12 angry men" (starring henry fonda) you should definitely watch this film... it is film making at it's best... a true masterpiece... and deals with the point you make here regarding the jury getting it right.
Just watched it, following your recommendation. Saw it many years ago but great to see it again now I know more about life. Not giving spoilers, but interesting to see and think about how narrow justice is.
Some criminals are able to get away with their misdeeds because they can afford to hire good lawyers who will twist the truth for money—so sad.
And the fact that the poor (and mentally ill) get manipulated by smart prosecution lawyers is even more sad IMO.
