Officer Acquitted in Freddie Grey Case

[branford]

43. That doesn't even remotely address my point.

You clearly implied the judge in the Nero case predetermined the verdict or was otherwise corrupt.

That's a serious allegation, and you provided no proof other than some righteous indignation.

In any event, not every police officer in Baltimore is bad or racist, not every officer who encountered Gray did something to warrant criminal liability, and those who may deserve criminal sanction are not all equally guilty or responsible.

Simply, as with all criminal cases, a defendant is presumed innocent, and the state bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In virtually all of the Gray cases, the district attorney seriously overcharged everyone (including some who probably should not have been charged at all) and otherwise engaged in questionable legal strategies and practices, likely in response to political and social pressures rather than legal acumen and ethics. The hung jury and acquittal thus far are not surprising, but should only be blamed on the (African-American woman!) district attorney's political ambitions, not a systemic failure of the legal system.

The primary defendants have yet to be tried, and absent more gross incompetence from the prosecutors, there may be some convictions. Based on the actual evidence, however, it appears Nero did not deserve any criminal consequences for his actions. Lastly, note that Nero will still face internal review and potential discipline.