Paris if a free woman again...

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

No problem with Furman? Did you hear the tapes where he admitted being a racist and bragged that he would gladly plant evidence on a black man "messing" with a white woman...in fact there was a thinly veiled admission on the tapes that he had in fact done so. This guy handled critical evidence in the case and you don't think that's a problem! Almost everywhere in this nation, juries are advised by the judge that it doesn't matter what they think they "know", all that matters is what has been proven in court beyond a reasonable doubt. Who the judge was would not have effected the outcome of that trial.

no problem with furman, he wasn't on trial. I don't know the truth about those tapes, but what I've seen about the guy after the trial is very likeable and bright and passionate about putting away the scum that would try to get away with murder.
and yes I do feel the the judge makes a huge difference and can effect the outcome of a trial, no doubt about it.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

no problem with furman, he wasn't on trial. I don't know the truth about those tapes, but what I've seen about the guy after the trial is very likeable and bright and passionate about putting away the scum that would try to get away with murder.
and yes I do feel the the judge makes a huge difference and can effect the outcome of a trial, no doubt about it.

I don't know how old you are or what your interests are/were so maybe you didn't watch the trial on TV (it was a unique experience to be sure), Furman's words were recorded on tape by this lady (can't recall why she had interviewed him...book deal maybe?) and he was very up front regarding his views. There was no room for doubt that he had a hatred for black men who were involved with white women and he at the very least suggested a willingness to "plant" evidence against such folks. Add that to the fact that he was close with many of the investigating officers (and yes, there was some indication that at least some shared his views) and he handled important evidence. Of course there was the other officer who locked vital blood samples in the trunk of his vehicle for a day or so instead of maintaining chain of custody as required, the bloody glove that didn't fit, problems with the DNA evidence, a timeline that never really worked...the investigation was unbelievably unprofessional and the prosecution team was in way over their heads...everyone in America had already convicted the guy...but they blew it.