AMERICAN PARTIALITY

 


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The legal system in America does not seem fair when someone who committed manslaughter according to the dictionary's definition of manslaughter can be found guilty of first degree murder and  sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. 

Impartiality according to American lawmakers

Is the American justice system impartial? I very much doubt it. Like so many things in the US, it is money which does the talking and is the motivating factor in all decisions in the US. If someone has the money they have a better chance of justice. 

We sometimes see on television cases of rich celebrities appearing in court for something; it is a sure bet that they have a much better chance of a better outcome for themselves than if they had no means to pay for their legal costs. 

In a nutshell, the poor are being denied a fair trial.

But that is not the only issue regarding partiality.

How is it that some can intentionally murder someone and and be able to be released after 15-20 years while someone else whose actions may have led to the death of another but never ever intended to kill the victim and receive life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

This is the situation Jennifer Mee found herself in. As a nineteen year old she arranged a date with a young man after contacting him on Facebook but with the intention of robbing him. Her two male friends carried out the mugging which had fatal consequences. Under Florida law, all participants in a fatal robbery are equally guilty of murder. Jennifer was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. 

How could one justify such a harsh sentence?

"Intentional," is a key word here.

It means, "It is done on purpose."

There is absolutely no doubt that Jennifer never planned or ever had any intention to kill the victim. It appears that the person who pulled the trigger got caught up in the moment during the scuffle between Jennifer's two male friends and the victim.

When one hears of cases of intentional murder cases resulting in much lesser sentences, it is not hard to come to the conclusion that the American justice system has a long way to go before it can claim to be impartial.

What does impartial mean?

"Impartial," means, Having a view of something which is fair or not biased."

"Partial," means supporting one side of the dispute, rather than being fair and without bias."

I think anyone who believes the American Justice System is balanced is deceiving themselves. 

Jennifer did not intend to harm the young man she arranged for a date, showed no hostility toward him, and certainly never intended to kill him, therefore, how could one justify a life without parole sentence?

You be the judge!!

ABOUT THIS ARTICLE

Bob Stewart is a New Zealander who watched the TV program on Jennifer and felt this is wrong. He has written his thoughts on a blog www.freejennifer.blogspot.com


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