LETTER : Verdict that has split America
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Trevor Lyons
Sir: It appears the OJ Simpson trial and verdict has split America on a simple black/white racial divide. How much better it might have been had the US abandoned the binary "guilty/not guilty" model in favour of the traditional Scottish system with verdicts ranging from "guilty" to "not guilty" via "not proven".
Had the OJ jury been able to select the "not proven" verdict, the prevalent sentiment that "we're-pretty-certain-you-did-it-but-they-haven't-quite- proved-it" could have been expressed. With a "not proven" verdict, OJ would still be free, but the patent injustice of a full acquittal could have been avoided. Honour would have been satisfied, and racial tensions might have been calmed.
One should not forget that any criminal justice system exists not solely to punish the offender, but also to give solace to victims and their relatives. A "not proven" verdict would have provided a useful neutral starting point for any subsequent civil case for compensation.
Yours faithfully.
Trevor Lyons
Senior Lecturer in Law
Staffordshire University
Stoke-on-Trent
4 October
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments