03-10-2014, 08:44 PM
Sometimes the inconsistencies in the US justice system depress me -- not always, but some days like today.
Michael Dunn can kill an unarmed kid in a car in Florida and make up any kind of self-defense story (unsupported by evidence and witnesses) he pleases based on his claimed "fearful mindset" -- and he hangs the jury.
BUT, Officer Wilson in Illinois gets sued by a violent mass-murdering piece of shit because he hit the murderer in the face during an alleged attack, and Wilson's prohibited by the court from testifying as to his state of mind at the time stemming from the murderer's history of violent attacks. And, now the officer is legally obligated to pay the murderer $260k out of his own pocket in punitive damages.
I don't think society should look the other way when cops and guards abuse prisoners and/or violate their civil rights for thrills or power trips or whatever. But, in this case, I think Officer Wilson had a right to present a robust self-defense case.
Anyway, it's unclear what's gonna happen to the money awarded to Degorski by the jury. I hope Wilson appeals, and I hope Degorski never sees a dime of his judgment.
If the state of Illinois files a claim, it's possible that they can take all but $15k of the judgment as the cost of incarcerating Degorski for life.
Alternatively, the families of his victims (who are understandably outraged) could possibly file wrongful death suits against Degorski and try to take whatever money he gets.
Michael Dunn can kill an unarmed kid in a car in Florida and make up any kind of self-defense story (unsupported by evidence and witnesses) he pleases based on his claimed "fearful mindset" -- and he hangs the jury.
BUT, Officer Wilson in Illinois gets sued by a violent mass-murdering piece of shit because he hit the murderer in the face during an alleged attack, and Wilson's prohibited by the court from testifying as to his state of mind at the time stemming from the murderer's history of violent attacks. And, now the officer is legally obligated to pay the murderer $260k out of his own pocket in punitive damages.
I don't think society should look the other way when cops and guards abuse prisoners and/or violate their civil rights for thrills or power trips or whatever. But, in this case, I think Officer Wilson had a right to present a robust self-defense case.
Anyway, it's unclear what's gonna happen to the money awarded to Degorski by the jury. I hope Wilson appeals, and I hope Degorski never sees a dime of his judgment.
If the state of Illinois files a claim, it's possible that they can take all but $15k of the judgment as the cost of incarcerating Degorski for life.
Alternatively, the families of his victims (who are understandably outraged) could possibly file wrongful death suits against Degorski and try to take whatever money he gets.