Casey Anthony Trial Offers A Bundle Of Lessons

As my vacation here in Florida comes to an end, I notice how impossible it has been to avoid the media frenzy surrounding the trial of Casey Anthony, a woman accused of murdering her daughter. People around America and the world now sit in rapt vigil for a jury to render its verdict. For my part, I enjoy the multitude of insights this ordeal has given me into modern life.

First is the very fact that this trial draws so much attention at all. America is waging six unconstitutional wars and the economy is a shambles, yet a murder trial in Florida dominates everyone's attention. This is rather bizarre and disproportionate, and the only explanation I can think of is this: people need a spectator sport now that basketball season has ended. Reality is not something people enjoy grappling with, especially when it's unpleasant, so the incessant modern need for entertainment has latched onto a host. I'm sure the media will be sorely disappointed if this comes to a swift and certain conclusion.

Second is the pleasure I derive from having left the practice of law in Florida far behind me. The smirking and self-important defense lawyer, the histrionic prosecution, and the general seediness of the entire proceeding give me flashbacks of a former life not missed. (I do miss visiting the Orange County courthouse on occasion, as it's far better than what Broward and Miami-Dade have to offer.)

Third is something I touched on in a recent post: the judge wrongly informed the jury that it MUST apply the law regardless of whether the jury agrees with it. This is a slap in the face to America's time-honored tradition of jury nullification; ignoring the doctrine might be excusable, but lying about it is not.

Fourth is the all-too-predictable lawsuit by "Zanny the Nanny" against Casey Anthony for defamation -- as if anyone knew who Zanny was or even believes Casey's lies about her at this point. The lawsuit itself brings far more attention than Zanny ever had, which is the likely goal of this pathetic exercise (God knows there won't be a collectible judgment).

Fifth is the banal and perpetual analysis by the media talking heads of every minute detail. The jury's demographics are examined, an open admission that demographics do matter (whereas attorneys are strictly forbidden from taking them into account). One talking head pronounced that if Casey is acquitted, no one else may prosecute her -- yet this is untrue, as the feds could prosecute her for any number of (albeit unconstitutional) federal crimes, since a state prosecution does not pose a double-jeopardy bar to a federal one.

Sixth is Casey Anthony herself, the poster child for the modern persona -- narcissistic, amoral, spoiled, mendacious, and unruffled by any of the undercurrents of human tragedy. This goes regardless of whether she committed the crime or not; her carefree deportment following the death of her daughter was shocking, but all too standard now.

UPDATE:

The verdict is coming back mere moments after I posted, and there is one more thing that leaps off the screen -- the slovenly attire of the spectators. Going to court is a close second to going to church. Shorts, T-shirts, and baseball caps do not belong there, and nor do the people sporting them.