Anyone Been Watching The Derek Chauvin Trial?

[Spicerack]

I presume we're allowed to talk about it as it's all live-streamed on US tv.

[andy-hughes]

Not sure what is supposed to be 'selective' about the video - it's clear what went on.

[AuntPollyGrey]

They should not convict Chauvin just to prevent a Black uprising. Give him a fair trial and if the outcome is acquittal then they must make ready the Homeland Security.

[royfromaus]

I don't think Floyd would have died that day had he not had the pleasure of Chauvin resting his knee on his neck.

Chauvin is a disgrace and I hope he ends up being bars for whatever the conviction is.

[Khandro]

royfromaus:
//Chauvin is a disgrace and I hope he ends up being bars for whatever the conviction is.//

Another AB armchair judge jury & executioner.

[youngmafbog]

//I don't think Floyd //

Well with the greatest respect you were not there and neither have you seen all the evidence yet. Innocent until proven guilty, remember that.

Spice, you are correct, he may not have even killed him, again that is what this trial is trying to establish.

//Not sure what is supposed to be 'selective' about the video - it's clear what went on.//

Well its not though is it. Until we have seen all the evidence and understood the toxicology reports it will not be clear. The video is only one part of the evidence.

I do wonder how many times this restraint tactic has been used before, without a death. I do suspect that we have the perfect storm here which unfortunately resulted in the death of Floyd, but then again I will wait until all the evidence is shown before making my mind up one way or another.

[pixie374]

Khandro //Bad cop versus bad individual ? - may as well toss a coin. Though for the record, I'm slightly on the side of the bad cop.//

It isn't though. For some reason a lot of people seem to be seeing it this way, that you have to be on the side of one or the other. This isn't Chauvin v. Floyd, it's Chauvin versus justice.
It's quite easy to see Floyd as a criminal thug, and see Chauvin as "no better".

[Khandro]

For those who think there were no threats from the mob; Floyd was at least 6-foot-4 and weighed 230 pounds. The largest police officer on the scene was Chauvin, coming in at 5-foot-9 and 140 pounds.

Donald Williams, a bouncer and MMA cage-fighter admitted to continuously berating the officers — all of which is on tape — calling Chauvin a “fg bum,” “***” and “a fg pussy ass ***.” In one of the tapes, Williams threatens Officer Tou Thao, saying, “I swear I’ll slap the f out of both of you!”

[naomi24]

//It's quite easy to see Floyd as a criminal thug, and see Chauvin as "no better".//

Not at all. Intent must be considered. Floyd committed crimes knowingly. There’s a big difference between murder and manslaughter.

[pixie374]

Floyd didn't kill anyone. And intent is debatable... refusing to change position when someone is telling you they can't breathe (depending on what actually happened), is not unintentional harm.

[naomi24]

When Chauvin pinned Floyd down it's highly unlikely that he intended to kill him. When Floyd committed his crimes he knew exactly what he was doing. That's the difference.

[pixie374]

He did nothing to stop it either. It does get to a point where you know you are highly likely to be killing someone and continue anyway- that it is no longer unintentional. It may not have been the original aim, but he had plenty of time (and advice) to change his mind. This wasn't a one-off impulsive action, but a sustained act where he knew he was at least doing serious damage.
If he was genuinely unaware at every point and every minute, then his sheer ignorance and stupidity would be enough to at least keep him away from any kind of authority. Whether he is arrogant, evil, a bully, vindictive, racist or just a total brain donor... he's dangerous.

[naomi24]

Neither your speculation nor your personal opinion of him is relevant. His intention wasn't to kill Floyd - that's the bottom line.

[pixie374]

Not really. The bottom line is whether he killed him or not. And probably, whether he should have known if he was. My personal opinion or speculation is no better or worse than everyone else's.

[pixie374]

Unfortunately, and I don't usually agree with this- we seem to take more notice of "result" than "intention".
I don't remember your personal views, naomi, but when that policeman got dragged to his death behind a car (without a previous aim to kill him), but they should have realised they probably would... the majority of AB were suggesting they should be punished, more than "oh well, they didn't mean it".

[naomi24]

Justice cannot be served fairly without intent being taken into consideration As I said, its the difference between manslaughter and murder. If that, in your book, doesn't count for anything, just as well you're not in a position to make judgement.

[pixie374]

I didn't say that at all. Just as well yours isn't, if you are going between manslaughter and murder...

[naomi24]

Eh?

Actually, your comparison between this case and that of the barbaric and bloody slaughter of PC Harper by criminals is pretty bizarre - and that's being kind.

[pixie374]

Not a comparison. An example of your theory that only premeditated is deliberate. The difference seems to be I'm arguing between "not guilty" and "guilty".
You seem to have ruled out "not guilty" and are assuming between murder and manslaughter, so we are on different subjects.

[Jackdaw33]

Where has Naomi ruled out 'not guilty'?

[naomi24]

Jackdaw, I haven't. Well spotted.