fourth discussion
Needs to be 300 words
With the understanding that relatively few factual events which end up in court are captured on video/audio (or observed by unbiased, credible, and completely consistent witnesses), what implications does this have for our judicial system? In other words, is it possible to balance the need for fair court processes with the realities of the way most criminal (or civil) events are observed and reported? On one hand, are we comfortable with people being convicted of crimes (or held civilly liable for their actions) on the testimony of imperfect lay witnesses? On the other hand, are we comfortable with allowing crimes (or civil wrongs) to go unpunished if witnesses have something less than a perfect memory or understanding of the facts? How does this make you feel about the justice system as a whole?