[spunkets]

"One would think that Jake's pal would have testified to a severe beating, had one taken place."

That's right, and in addition, Jake's buddy would have been beaten too, if the scenario was really as the prosecutor said. That's the way these things go.

[LIConFem]

"...Jake's buddy would have been beaten too..."

And/or would likely have jumped in to help Jake. Couple that with the fact that Jake & friend pursued Mette and his pals and started the fight, and this is self-defense and justifiable, plain and simple (IA law be damn'd). Again, notwithstanding the jury pool demographic, Mette's big mistake was having the judge decide his case.