Casey Anthony Trial: The Cost Of Justice - An Exquisite Privilege

I was thinking this morning of how very many people have had their lives disrupted (or at the very least, extremely inconvenienced) in answering their call to civic duty. I've lost count, but well over 150 potential jurors, all having to appear at least once. Many waiting several long days in the jury room. Some having to return with more information or notes related to hardship. And approximately 20 will give up 2 months of their lives to serving (the inconvenience extends to their families and employers as well). All this to ensure a fellow citizen receives a fair trial.

Regardless what anyone believes about Anthony's potential guilt, it is this system of giving even what some may believe the "least deserving" a fair and impartial trial by a jury of peers that preserves the system for everyone else. This case has been a ridiculous circus in many aspects, but the jury selection process (as staggeringly burdensome to so many as it has been and will be for those serving) is not one of them.

Despite the taxpayer expense, the inconvenience to the jurors, judge, attorneys, untold numbers of staff, the undeniable fact that the circus surrounding this case is mostly of the defendant and her family's own doing -- it makes me feel proud to know that our justice system will bend over backward to ensure a fair trial. It gives me confidence that, God forbid, should one of my loved ones or myself ever be in the position of being judged, the system and our fellow citizens will ensure us a fair trial as well.

I've read many opinions criticizing the process for going to such lengths for Anthony. It's been said that she's obviously guilty and is taking advantage of the system (and the rest of us by extension). Do some defendants try to beat the system because they'd rather not admit guilt and take their lumps? Of course they do -- criminals generally aren't honest, do-the-right-thing kinda people.

But we have to keep it in perspective. Even if you believe Anthony's guilty as hell (and most do), if even she is afforded a fair trial by impartial jurors who will force the state to prove its case, you can rest more easily that if you're ever accused (rightly or wrongly), the system will protect your rights as well.

We take for granted what is truly an exquisite privilege in this country, and we shouldn't. If you doubt that for a second, read up on human rights violations and "justice" systems in China, Bahrain, Syria, Cote d'Ivoire, Darfur. Then thank God that this exquisite privilege is also a constitutional right for every single one of us in this country.