Judge Sara West said she thought there were reasonable interpretations of the circumstantial evidence other than guilt. It seems to me that when the jury found the defendant guilty, they didn't think so. They deliberated for four hours, which is not an inconsequential amount of time and other interpretations were almost certainly discussed.
I'm no legal expert, but even while giving West the benefit of the doubt I can't see how her reasoning is sufficient to overturn the verdict. I would think judges have that discretion in only very limited circumstances.
"There were other possibilities" ... yes, but there are ALWAYS other possibilities, even with the most damning evidence.
Judge Sara West said she thought there were reasonable interpretations of the circumstantial evidence other than guilt. It seems to me that when the jury found the defendant guilty, they didn't think so. They deliberated for four hours, which is not an inconsequential amount of time and other interpretations were almost certainly discussed.
I'm no legal expert, but even while giving West the benefit of the doubt I can't see how her reasoning is sufficient to overturn the verdict. I would think judges have that discretion in only very limited circumstances.
"There were other possibilities" ... yes, but there are ALWAYS other possibilities, even with the most damning evidence.
With a ruling like this we have more than circumstantial evidence of her mental retardation.
I was just about to build a soup kitchen for the poor folk but my Rolls Royce needed an oil change so I was short on cash...
Case dismissed!
Not well known but completely legal. Judges have wide authority to toss out verdicts or force them as desired.
Really the legal system in America is a complete joke. Avoid at all costs.