Punishment is Justice for the Unjust - St. Augustine

It has been a tough two weeks watching the jury selection of Casey Anthony's murder trial. I watched every day, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Even the monotony of it all could not tear me away. It is something that I have never seen before and to me it was an awesome experience. I have come away with the realization that if I were to be accused of a serious crime to where the punishment consisted of death or life with out parole that I would take my chances and go on the run. My first thought was that I would waive my right to a jury trial, but a friend (who happens to be a lawyer) said to me, "Really???? Would you rather have a one out of twelve chance of survival or one out of one?" That's when I looked at him and said, "Well, then, I'll take my chances of running." Think about it, after watching the last two weeks can you honestly say that you have faith in a jury trial?

I picked most of the same jurors as what we have ended up with. I am so very glad that the last woman, who fed kittens and puppies with a bottle, was not picked. There was something very odd about her. When she spoke, it took my all not to cringe at her words. She is probably a very sweet lady, but I don't know.....I am just happy she is not part of the jury. There were many that I thought out right lied when they stated they did not know anything about this case. After day one, I am sure most wanted to be on the jury - I mean, all the people who stayed and said there would be no hardship for them to be away or financially. I would have paid to be on this jury. And not just because I believe Casey is guilty, but just so I could be a part of Caylee's justice. And even though I do believe Casey to be guilty, I do believe she deserves a fair and impartial jury. Which I have faith that she has received.

I can honestly say that if I were picked for the jury that I could lay aside my pre-judgements of her guilt and listen to the evidence. I don't believe that any mitigating factors could sway my opinion though. To me, mitigating factors means "excuses". I cannot excuse actions of murder. We can make excuses for every dang action (or inaction) a person does, but that doesn't change the fact that he/she knows right from wrong. I don't know if being sexually/physically abused would sway my opinions either. I mean, there are so many children who are raised in physically and sexually abusive homes, but not ALL of them grow up to murder; especially their own child. I don't know, that's a hard one isn't it? But I do know that I could and would listen to all of the evidence. And I do think it would be hard for me if the defense does not have to prove their client innocent. Watching this trial is going to enlighten a lot of us that have no clue about laws and evidence, the whole process, and how it all ends.

I've never been too worried about Casey receiving the death penalty because I don't believe death will be her sentence. It's very hard for people to impose death on a woman, especially a young and attractive woman. I'm not saying I think she is attractive, I guess I would if I didn't know about her. But most people find her pretty. I am anxious to see and hear the evidence for that part of the trial. I just hope that these jurors can weigh the evidence as they say they can. I will keep the faith.

I know this will not be the opinion of the majority, but I saw a refreshing side of Jose Baez. He did not GRATE on my nerves as much as he has in the past three years. He didn't seem so smug and arrogant, for the most part anyway. He seemed to have understood what he was doing, even though his questions (some) were ridiculous - he is an articulate man. I'm hoping his circus-esque style of defending his client in the past was just a show, a joke on all of us and that he truly knows what he is doing. Casey's defense team really seems to care for her, she is lucky. Can you imagine what it would feel like knowing your counsel could care less about you? It makes me shiver to think about it.

To the prosecutors and to Honorable Belvin Perry, Jr: Thank you to you all. I feel there is no one to speak for Caylee since her voice was stolen. She doesn't have her mother or father. She doesn't have her grandmother or grandfather. She doesn't have her uncle. But, she has you all. I have so much respect and admiration for each of you. It doesn't seem like this is a job for you. You truly LOVE Caylee and realize, as does the public, that YOU are her ONLY voice. YOU are the ones that seek justice for this precious baby girl. God, thank you all, you are all wonderful; no matter how this all ends.

Justice for Caylee Marie Anthony!