Casey Anthony Trial — The Aftermath

I am actually stunned to see the current discourse on CNN regarding whether or not the names of the jurors in the Casey Anthony trial should be released. The judge, rightfully so, is concerned about the likelihood of retribution against jury members by the mob currently camped outside the Orlando Courthouse. Do these folks not have employment or lives of their own?

Sadly, the only thing that has made this case different from any of the other tragic murder cases of children: this case caught the interest of Nancy Grace. Grace in a single episode of her sensationalist tabloid TV show, stuck the label of “Tot Mom”, and tried and convicted Casey Anthony of First Degree Murder. It should be noted that Grace, prior to hosting her show on CNN, was a prosecutor of questionable ethics. Before becoming a CNN and Court TV anchor, she was a notorious prosecutor in Alabama.

In a 2005 federal appeals opinion, Judge William H. Pryor Jr., a conservative former Alabama attorney general, found that Grace had “played fast and loose” with core ethical rules in a 1990 triple-murder case. Grace was accused of not disclosing critical evidence (the existence of other suspects) as well as knowingly permitting a detective to testify falsely under oath. The Georgia Supreme Court also reprimanded her for withholding evidence and for making improper statements in a 1997 arson and murder case. The court overturned the conviction in that case and found that Grace’s behavior “demonstrated her disregard of the notions of due process and fairness and was inexcusable.” She faced similar claims in other cases.

Clearly, without conscience, Grace has never cared whether or not a defendant, who by constitutional law is supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, is denied due process or a fair trial. Her own misconduct as a prosecutor is proof of that. While one can understand why a prosecutor might bend or even break the rules a little to get that career enhancing conviction, she withheld evidence and suborned perjury that made it clear that the defendant on trial was actually innocent. Thus sending an innocent victim to prison until the conviction was overturned.

I suspect her biggest fans haven’t bothered to do any research on the character of the women they so idolize, and perhaps would not care. In the case of the Casey Anthony, Grace and others, like Grace clone Jane Velez-Mitchell, ranted and raved for the cameras for ratings, not caring who they libeled or defamed in the process. Notably, I do not believe I have ever heard either one of them covering, or inciting an angry mob on behalf of innocent victims being released from prison, many off death row, after decades in prison for crimes of which they were ultimately found innocent. (Shown here are agitated trial spectators attacking each other in the wake of the Anthony verdict.)

I honestly don’t know whether or not Casey Anthony killed her daughter either deliberately or accidentally. Given that she has been legally determined to be not guilty of the crime that should no longer be an issue. I do believe, without any doubt, that the jury did the best possible job and that while many of all of them might have thought that Anthony was responsible for the death of Caylee, evidence was not presented by the prosecution that convinced them beyond a reasonable doubt.

We all need to be cautious in condemning a justice system designed to protect us all from being railroaded to prison for crimes that we are innocent of. In spite of that protection, all too often innocent victims are imprisoned and even executed for crimes of which they are innocent.

Grace’s comment on her July 5th show “the devil is dancing” indicates that she believes in the devil. If she indeed does, then she must also consider that there is a God and that Anthony will ultimately be held accountable for her transgressions. That will have to be good enough for all of us, unless of course, some angry mob member, incited by years of hearing Grace proclaim “Tot Mom’s” guilt decides to take justice into their own hands.

See also "Breaking News: Casey Anthony Moving to Texas!" on Texas Confidential Online.