Let's not erode our legal system with Murdoch-style sensationalized infotainment
by Thom Hartmann
July 6, 2011
Yesterday - 12 jurors in Florida found Casey Anthony not guilty of murdering her daughter. With it's twists and turns - the trial gained nationwide notoriety - and dominated mainstream news reports for the better part of 3 years. Many were shocked by the verdict - as Anthony's guilt was a foregone conclusion in most of the media.
So not only does this case remind us of just how our legal system works - that it's up to 12 jurors and not a team of TV pundits to determine guilt or innocence - but this case also highlighted the perversion of our most basic legal tenant - that we are innocent until proven guilty.
It's a strong legal system that keeps our nation from descending into chaos like Somalia. Let's not erode it with Murdoch-style sensationalized infotainment. Instead, we should consider the old Canadian system of only reporting on crimes after convictions have been made, and never naming an accused in the media.
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