Quote:
Originally posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.
In a court of law the jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty (not innocent or innocent). The definition of guilty is not innocent and the definition of innocent is not guilty. A circular definition if I ever saw one.
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Actually, in a criminal proceeding, the jury (or judge) decides if the state (or other governing authority) has proven its case, not if the defendent did the crime or not.
In a civil case, the jury (or judge) decides which side has proven its case by a preponderance of the evidence.
At least, that's what I learned by watching Perry Mason reruns. They've been on every weekday at noon here in Portland for about 30 years.
Of course, on the court, I am judge, jury and executioner and there are no appeals. Like Judge Roy Bean, I
am the law.