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Originally Posted by Damien
The Democrats, Biden and Waters(?) especially, were very stupid. Waters especially was risking a mistrial. Politicians really need to shut up on ongoing cases.
Still given what we know about the case it did seem a likely verdict and the Jury didn't take long to reach it either. As Hugh said there is a video of it happening and critically whilst the defence was able to say drugs and heart problems 'played a role' the medical examiner made it clear it wasn't the cause of death. That he died from lax of oxygen.
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While I generally think politicians from any party should stay out of trials, as any publicity runs the risk of influencing the jury, it is important to point out that (under American law at least), a mistrial does not mean the defendant goes free. The Prosecutor is free ask for a retrial, but they can also chose not to.
So, a mistrial would waste time, and cost a lot of money (both good reasons to avoid it), but it doesn't necessarily let the defendant off.