wow - that’s a freaking pathetic story. I can’t understand the lack of backbone in those jurors who couldn’t stand up to Neal in the jury room. They really should be ashamed of themselves. As for Neal, pure garbage.
It has been suggested on other forums that his finances might bear looking into. Ahem.
I’ve been the lone holdout on a jury.
You have to have the courage of your convictions. The prosecution is not always correct, nor are its witnesses always reliable.
Twice, I had to demand that the foreman write to the judge for clarification on the testimony we all heard. Twice we were marched back into the courtroom, and the judge had testimony reread, I was correct on both counts.
Each juror had their turn at me, and I answered their arguments with facts and testimony, not emotional appeals.
There was one egregious charge that was unproven in court, but everyone had made their mind up on. I threatened to hang the jury, as there was no way I would vote for it as there was no evidence for it—it was completely emotionally based.
The outcome was a verdict we could all live with and which I believe was factually correct.
I say all this to illustrate thatjurors must listen carefully and make decisions on facts, not emotions. And in the jury room, others will attempt to sway you for their own purposes and you must be ready for that.
You must be true to yourself. And it is very hard, in a room of 12, not to follow the crowd. But you must be prepared to do so.
I don’t know the particulars on this case. The jury experience can be a painful one, but you must live with your verdict.