gregoryjohn
That was then and this is now
ARChive
Wellington, New Zealand.
Questions
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D’Evils - Jay Z (Reasonable Doubt)
England
The use of “reasonable doubt” as a standard requirement in the western justice system originated in medieval England. In English common law prior to the “reasonable doubt” standard, passing judgment in criminal trials had severe religious repercussions for jurors. According to Christian law prior to the 1780s: “the Juryman who finds any other person guilty, is liable to the Vengeance of God upon his Family and Trade, Body and Soul, in this world and that to come.”[1] It was also believed “In every case of doubt, where one’s salvation is in peril, one must always take the safer way…. A judge who is in doubt must refuse to judge.”[1] It was in reaction to these “religious fears”[1] that “reasonable doubt” was introduced in the late 17th century to English common law, thereby allowing jurors to more easily convict. Therefore the original use of the “reasonable doubt” standard was opposite to its modern use of limiting a juror’s ability to convict.
However, juries in criminal courts in England are no longer customarily directed to consider whether there is “reasonable doubt” about a defendant’s guilt. Indeed, a recent conviction was appealed after the judge had said to the jury “You must be satisfied of guilt beyond all reasonable doubt.” The conviction was upheld but the Appeal Court made clear their unhappiness with the judge’s remark, indicating that the judge should instead have said to the jury simply that before they can return a verdict of guilty, they “must be sure that the defendant is guilty”.[2]
Been listening to a few sounds tonight. This song stood out, in regards to today, and the events that happened today and yesterday.
SOPA & Also Mega.upload.com being made an example of at the Media Level.
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