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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]About 10 years ago I was on the jury for a murder trial (large east coast city but not DC).  It was pretty straightforward, the state wanted first degree murder and the defendant was arguing that it was self defense, and I think there was also an option for us to pick second degree murder ("heat of passion" or whatever) if we thought that was more appropriate?  Spoiler alert, we didn't, we picked first degree murder.

Anyways, my point is, I remember the forensic testimony and I remember taking notes because I felt like I was getting clues to solve a mystery- I was like "oh!  the lady said that the stab wounds were at an X degree angle, that means they were pointed downwards, that seems like he was kneeling or on the ground when he was stabbed- that can't be self defense!!" and I felt so proud of myself for being so clever, and wondering why on earth the prosecution was leaving it up to me to connect all of these dots from the testimony.

But, I was wrong.  The closing statement tied it all together and pointed out very clearly all of these things that I thought I was supposed to put together on my own.  They know that juries are often filled with many not very intelligent people.  In this case too, I am sure that during closing arguments, the prosecution will be very clear as to what all of the testimony is pointing towards- they will explain the blood splatter on the shoes as being important, they will explain the blood clotting disorder piece and why it's important, they will explain it all.[/quote]

I really hope you are right.

Comments on the CW attorney are disheartening. This is a big case. They have had tons of time.

Has the commonwealth attorney himself been there. I thought he was quite accomplished. [/quote]

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