Guilty or innocent--please delete if not interested!

[Kelly Burhenne <burhennk -at- SMTPGW -dot- LIEBERT -dot- COM>]

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     >hindered in any way without established proof. In our practice we are
     >much less than free and open; we tend to believe anyone -- or at
     >least the majority -- of folks put on trial are guilty, regardless of
     >proof,

     The reason for this is because, in most cases, they are guilty.  By
     the time you go through the police narrowing you as their main
     suspect; gathering enough evidence that the prosecutor agrees to take
     the case to trial (they only do this if they're pretty sure they can
     win); and proving to a Grand Jury that there is enough evidence to
     issue an indictment, unless you were set up or are _very_ unlucky, you
     probably did it!

     (Don't everybody pick me for jury duty all at once!)

     I realize that this topic doesn't really directly relate to tech
     writing, but it is a good example of the "power of words" and how
     what you write (or say) can have an impact.  Vince Bugliosi, a
     lawyer and author I respect very much (Charles Manson prosecutor,
     etc.) made a very good case about this very point.

     It is his belief that there is a travesty of American Justice going on
     every single day.  When the judge charges a jury, s/he says, "you must
     find the defendant guilty or innocent", when what they should say is,
     "guilty or not guilty"--HUGE difference in the minds of jurors.  He
     has fought many a judge on this point and feels (and I agree) that
     standard jury charges, which thousands of judges read to juries every
     day, should be changed to reflect this point.

     I don't expect to hear any flames about this--the subject line is very
     clear!

     End of Discussion!!!!!!!

     -Kelly Burhenne