Impact of Death Verdict for Scott Peterson
Posted on Mon Dec 13, 2004 at 05:50:21 PM EST
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Ironically, the death verdict may bring Scott Peterson one benefit: His appeal will be treated extra seriously by the appellate courts. Every aspect of the trial will be scrutinized and errors that might not have been that big a deal with a life sentence could make a difference now.
Example: This judge was incredibly lax in allowing hearsay. All of his rulings on admission and exclusion of evidence will be reviewed with a fine tooth comb. The pre-trial publicity will now get the attention it deserves, so will the choice of trial venue.
As for those criticizing Geragos for not putting on more witnesses, keep in mind we haven't been privy to many of the judge's rulings on evidence because the hearings were held in chambers. He may have tried and been refused by the judge.
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