BART Officer Convicted; Standby For The Lawsuits
July 8, 2010
A few minutes ago, the jury convicted former Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Officer Johannes Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter in the now-famous TASER / GUN case. I have followed this matter a bit, as the TASER is one of my favorite legal subjects, and I find these trials to be interesting barometers of public sentiment.
A few reflections and a few predictions:
First, I think the verdict will be accepted, and violence will be minimal. I wonder, though, if the threat of such violence plays into jurors’ minds when they deliberate a case like this.
I also believe that the use of less lethal weapons like the TASER actually got a boost today. If the verdict had been acquittal, then the drumbeats would have been heard immediately. Reform-minded activists would have called for a ban on their deployment to prevent this type of tragic outcome. By assigning guilt, the jury shows tacitly that TASERs can be used properly.
Finally, a prediction: Oscar Grant’s family and Officer Mehserle are both going to be quite wealthy in a few years. You see, the most damning testimony in this case was actually about his (lack of) training in the use of the TASER device.
The family of the decedent always gets a handsome settlement, and I think we understand, if not endorse, those payments. But I have long wondered when the officers involved in cases like this would start to litigate against the organizations that arm them, and this might just be the case.
Mostly, I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Correct verdict? Good lawyering? Let me know what you think…
Comments
Got something to say?