Dear Editor,
The Oscar Pistorius murder trial commanded much interest around the world as Pistorius "The blade runner" is a celebrated athlete and Olympian, despite his disability.
Many were actually stunned at the verdict -- not guilty of murder, but guilty of 'culpable homicide' the equivalent of manslaughter.
Murder, as we know it, implies intent. The judge, assisted by two legal experts in lieu of a jury, explained that the prosecution did not present a strong enough case to prove premeditation. This may well be true. The judge, however, seemed too sympathetic with the accused, describing him as "a poor witness", which suggests he could've defended himself much better. Yes, he was a poor witness, but this was because he often contradicted himself.
It appears that Pistorius will perhaps get a light sentence, a slap on the wrist, maybe some community service, despite the maximum sentence being 15 years. The International Paralympic Committee has already indicated that Pistorius can compete again, after serving the sentence. This is why so many are shocked, outraged even. Some have even asked, what if Pistorius was a black man, would the outcome be any different? It will be very interesting to hear the sentencing when it is handed down next month.
P Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com
Making sense of the Pistorius verdict
-->
The Oscar Pistorius murder trial commanded much interest around the world as Pistorius "The blade runner" is a celebrated athlete and Olympian, despite his disability.
Many were actually stunned at the verdict -- not guilty of murder, but guilty of 'culpable homicide' the equivalent of manslaughter.
Murder, as we know it, implies intent. The judge, assisted by two legal experts in lieu of a jury, explained that the prosecution did not present a strong enough case to prove premeditation. This may well be true. The judge, however, seemed too sympathetic with the accused, describing him as "a poor witness", which suggests he could've defended himself much better. Yes, he was a poor witness, but this was because he often contradicted himself.
It appears that Pistorius will perhaps get a light sentence, a slap on the wrist, maybe some community service, despite the maximum sentence being 15 years. The International Paralympic Committee has already indicated that Pistorius can compete again, after serving the sentence. This is why so many are shocked, outraged even. Some have even asked, what if Pistorius was a black man, would the outcome be any different? It will be very interesting to hear the sentencing when it is handed down next month.
P Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com
Making sense of the Pistorius verdict
-->