Conrad Murray, the doctor responsible for Michael Jackson's death requested a release from prison pending his appeal. Should the judge set him free?
Since
when does this happen? I’ve never heard of this happening; at least
in Australia anyway. Once a defendant is convicted and sentenced to
prison it’s game over. If the defendant wants to appeal that is
their right, but to expect a release from prison pending that appeal
making it to court is madness. I’ve never heard of this happening
until now.
A
Jury Found Murray Guilty
Conrad
Murray was convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter on the 7th November
2011 in Los Angeles. The twelve jurors deliberated for eight hours
and came back with a unanimous verdict of guilty, beyond reasonable
doubt. On the 29th November 2011, Judge Pastor sentenced Murray to
four years imprisonment and revoked his medical license.
Murray
was Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
Many fans have been shocked by this story, saying that Murray has some nerve. Huffington Post reported in November last year during sentencing that Judge Pastor told the court that Murray had shown no remorse for his crime and he also considered Murray was a danger to society. He was sentenced to four years; however it is likely that he will only serve about two years because he will be eligible for parole at this time. Many fans are wondering why this guy can’t just take his punishment on the chin and do his time.
Conrad
Murray is the person responsible for the death of one of the world’s
biggest superstars; Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. No matter which
way his lawyers want to argue Murray’s conviction and sentence;
this man admitted to giving Michael Jackson injections of propofol in
the six weeks before he died. That same drug was found in his system
during the autopsy.
Murray
chose not to take the stand and defend his actions during the trial,
so how is he possibly going to convince a judge to let him out of
prison? Obviously there are reasons, but it’s difficult to
understand. By the time this appeal is heard in the courts, his
sentence may well be over. So what is this about? It could be about
his medical license; however after what Murray has done, you would
think his career as a doctor would be finished. Or it may well be
about the civil law suits he has to face up to. If his verdict is
overturned then there might be no grounds to sue. The possibilities
are endless, but asking to be let out of prison is over the line.
How
Will Murray Defend his Actions at Appeal
Speculation
is rampant about how Murray will defend himself at the appeal. It has
also been reported that he intends to represent himself as he cannot
afford a lawyer. If he represents his own appeal, he will be required
to answer questions from the prosecuting attorneys.
According
to TMZ.com Murray
is claiming that he had an unfair trial. The court papers read that
during the trial there was improper exclusion of defence evidence and
witnesses that resulted in violating the defendant’s State and
Constitutional rights to due process, to present a defence and to the
effective assistance of counsel.
Murray
is apparently in solitary confinement and has to wear chains when
visiting with his lawyer; however it was revealed via Huffington
Post that
he is in solitary for his own protection and wearing chains is
standard for all prisoners. Does he really expect a judge and the
public to feel sorry for him? Seriously; this guy needs to stop
whining.
Public
Opinion is Divided
Fans
commenting in relation to this news on TMZ.com have
been extremely vocal in their opinions about Murray and Michael
Jackson. Some fans believe Murray should stay in jail for as long as
possible, some think he should have gotten the death penalty, and
others believe Murray did the world a favour and deserves a medal;
and that’s an issue for another article.
No
matter what did or did not happen in court, Murray was found guilty
and sent to prison. He was responsible for the death of one of the
most loved people in the world and he may well be safer in prison.
The upcoming appeal which will most likely take a year to get to
court will be interesting none the less.
What
do you think? Should Murray be released from prison? Sound off below
or comment via Twitter or Facebook.
Sources:
- The News.com.au's official website
- The Huffington Post's offical website
- The official TMZ website
Copyright
© 2011 Janelle Coulton
