In the courtroom of your mind, do you presume people innocent?

[BurtWorm]

Poll question: In the courtroom of your mind, do you presume people innocent?

[datasuspect]

1. i believe they should be crushed like stalin!

[NJmaverick]

2. Stalin was crushed?

[datasuspect]

4. i will crush you like stalin

[Forkboy]

3. A little of both, depending on the person and any previous bias I might already have.

It's kind of funny to me when people get upset about others online not presuming someone's innocence. I think most people can grasp the difference between passing judgment online and actually being a juror and having to give the presumption of innocence in a trial. It's a little patronizing to scold people for it, imo, but people do it anyways. x(

[petronius]

5. I go with my gut, and sometimes play the percentages. Also, I dish out some harsh

and creative sentences. The rules are a lot looser in my mental courtroom, but I would never want our real system to operate with even a tenth of the freedom that I do inside...

[MrSlayer]

6. It's kind of hard to presume the holocaust museum shooter innocent.

For instance. He was caught red handed, we know he's guilty. How am I supposed to presume him innocent?

[realisticphish]

7. i generally look for mitigating circumstances

I'm also a devil's advocate, which drives my friends nuts

[ROFF]

8. I was on two juries

And the principle of the innocence of the accused is critical to our (British) system of justice.

Also, I believe that a trial is not to find whether the accused is innocent or guilty but if the Crowns (I am Canadian) case is strong enough to warrant sanctions.
A jury has no investigative power, cannot compel testimony or subpoena evidence.

As a result I never prejudge and always accept the juries findings. The average person has no idea what a jury member goes through. They were the most stressful and rewarding times of my life.

[LostInAnomie]

9. Depends on the evidence.

Most of the time, unless it's a serious crime, I think "Who gives a fuck?".

[GoddessOfGuinness]

10. I keep my mind a blank slate...

and consider the evidence as it is presented.

To do this, I have to be aware of my personal reactions to things like the appearance and mannerisms of the defendant, the accuser, and their attorneys. I can't allow my approval or dislike of any of them to color my decisions.