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Legally Irrelevant Considerations Cloud the Debate About Kyle Rittenhouse’s Acquittal

On Friday, President Joe Biden stated to reporters that he stands by the verdict of the jury. This was after Kyle Rittenhouse, who shot three people and two killed during a protest held in Kenosha. The jury system is working and we must abide by it.

Biden, on the other hand, stated that he was “angry and worried” after the verdict. The president’s confusing attempt to straddle anger and acceptance reflected a sharp division of opinion about the outcome of Rittenhouse’s trial—a clash that was based mainly on legally irrelevant considerations.

Following a fatal shooting at a Kenosha police station, Jacob Blake was left partially paralyzed. Rittenhouse’s innocence or guilt did not affect whether or not the use of force was justified. It also had no bearing on whether or how accurately Rittenhouse described his response as either a riot, or an exercise of First Amendment rights.

Rittenhouse was 17 years old when he said that he had brought a gun to protest to protect local businesses against looters and arsonists. His guilt or innocence did not affect whether or not one views this decision as reckless or heroic.

The merits and political opinions of Rittenhouse, as well as the gun laws that permitted him to carry the rifle were also irrelevant. So was the fact that Rittenhouse—who lived in Antioch, Illinois, 16 miles from Kenosha—”crossed state lines,” a detail that critics of the verdict bizarrely emphasized.

The law only mattered was whether Rittenhouse believed that the use of deadly force was required each time he fired his gun. The jury was presented with credible evidence from both Rittenhouse and prosecution witnesses to support his claims of self-defense.

Ryan Balch testified for the prosecution and described Joseph Rosenbaum (one of Rittenhouse’s victims) as being “hyperaggressive, violent, and acting out in an aggressive manner.” Richie McGinniss was another prosecution witness who testified Rosenbaum pursued Rittenhouse, and lunged at him.

“It was crystal clear to my that [Rosenbaum]McGinnis stated that Rosenbaum was reaching for the gun in a specific way. This supports Rittenhouse’s assertion that Rosenbaum could grab his rifle and shoot him. Another testimony suggested that Anthony Huber (the second victim Rittenhouse shot) had assaulted Rittenhouse with a skateboard and struck him in his neck.

Gaige Grosskreutz was also a witness for Rittenhouse. Rittenhouse was also shot in the arm when he fired a pistol at him.

It was the prosecution’s job to show beyond reasonable doubt that Rittenhouse committed these acts. It is notAccording to the testimony given by its witnesses, it was not possible for it to act in self-defense. After deliberating for over 25 hours in four days, the jurors concluded that the state failed to fulfill its obligations.

It was obvious that politicians, who were quick to condemn this verdict, ignored all the evidence considered by the jury. Rittenhouse was treated as an icon, rather than as someone who should be protected in the American justice system.

Notwithstanding the fact that all three of the men Rittenhouse shot were white, Rep. Cori Bush (D‒Mo.) describedThe verdict was described as “white supremacy at work.” House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D‒N.Y.The outcome was called “a miscarriage in justice” by Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.). suggestedRittenhouse should face federal charges.

Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States was slightly more delicate. sayingHarris said that “today’s verdict speaks for itself.” Harris stated that the lesson was “there is still much to be done” in order to make our criminal justice system more fair.

The American Civil Liberties Union was most disappointed by the outcome. Although it is a normal reaction to defend the rights and interests of accused persons, this time complainedRittenhouse wasn’t held responsible for Rittenhouses actions. Biden was not influenced by this authoritarian feeling. The jury system is effective, at least in this case.

© Copyright 2021 by Creators Syndicate Inc.