Why Was R. Kelly Acquitted
R. Kelly was acquitted in a child pornagrahy case in Cook County, Illinois. The case had been pending for six years. This is a classic example of how the American Justice System should work.
The general public opinion was the R. Kelly committed this crime. According to one juror, the case simply lacked evidence. In a Los Angeles Times Article, one juror claimed that there was not enough evidence to say whether R. Kelly or the young lady was on the video. The underage woman refused to testify in the trial. I find this very strange. The State of Illinois has subpoena power! Why in the world would they go to trial without the "victim" also known as the complaining witness.
The complainant in the case could only have 1 or 2 positions on the situation. One- She would say it was her on the tape. Two- she would say it was not her on the tape. Either way, one would think one side or the other should have wanted her there.
The reason why this case is an example of how a criminal trial should work is because the State has the burden of proof. The State did not bring enough evidence to convince the jurors beyond a reasonable doubt, Therefore, the jurors followed the law and gave a two-word verdict.
So what did R. Kelly win? There is not doubt he won his freedom although the prosecutors are postering regarding whether they would bring additional charges if new evidence presented itself.
So what did R. Kelly lose? R. Kelly will forver have a Scarlet Letter "P" for pedophile attached to hiim whether it is warranted or not. Fathers of teenage girls will probably not be lining up their daughters for alone time with Mr. Kelly.
The stress, anxiety, and outright fear of the government trying to put you in jail will forever leave an impression on him. I am glad to see a jury tell the government that it did not meet the high burden of proof, if they did not. Some observers might say that R. Kelly's fame aided him in being acquitted. I am not so sure about that. A cursory look at the State's case shows the case had vulnerabilities.
As a society, we must defer to the jury's decision. Those 12 heard all of the evidence and entered into meaningful, long deliberations. If they say the were not convinced, then he is not guilty!
Please keep in mind, not guilty does not mean innocent!
