While I did not closely follow the Casey Anthony trial, as a criminal defense attorney, or I guess any human being at this point, I cannot help but get caught up in the coverage and response to the verdict. Attached below is a recent article by Marcia Clark, where she claims the verdict was more shocking and more of an injustice than the O.J. verdict. Perhaps it has to do a little with the fact that she fell on the losing side of that “other” verdict, but I say to her, Please Marcia, not really.
Yes, Casey Anthony is far from ever being likable, unlike O.J. who was otherwise very likable prior to that trial. And yes, the race issue likely played a role in his case and was not present here. However, the O.J. case was full of something very lacking from the Casey Anthony trial – direct evidence. His case included overwhelming physical and forensic evidence, including DNA.
Her case included only questionable forensic evidence. Yes, her case included the overwhelming evidence of her lies. But let us not forget that although O.J. may have been smart enough to keep quiet, there was that minor evidence of guilt in the form of that little chase. Her lies could least be partially explained by the possibility that there was at least some child endangerment in a possible drowning or other neglect that led to the death. What was his explanation for running? In her case, there was no definitive proof of the cause of death. That was pretty clear in the O.J. case.
In the end, was this verdict a miscarriage of justice – absolutely not. Did the child victim deserve better – absolutely. Was Casey Anthony at fault – absolutely. But let the blame lie where it is deserved – not on our criminal justice system.
Timothy Farrow, of Dash Farrow, LLP, is an experienced criminal defense attorney and former Prosecutor who handles these offense and crimes, misdemeanors, and traffic offense of all levels. When you need experienced, focused, and responsive legal help, call Dash Farrow, LLP at 856-235-8300 or contact us online. We serve individuals and businesses throughout Burlington and Camden County and all of South Jersey.
