Whether you think George Zimmerman was rightfully exonerated or that he got away with murder, you are probably glad that the 24/7 news coverage is over. Now that it is decided, we should carefully consider the fairness of these high profile cases that are whipped into a frenzy by the media and rabble rousers like Al Sharpton.
I have two problems with these high profile cases. The first is that they raise some victims to celebrity status regardless of the facts of the case. And it elevates these same victims beyond all the other murder victims that are not part of a emotionally or racially charged case.
Second, the defendants have little hope of true justice. In these cases, even when found innocent, the public perception is so corrupted by the press that regaining their lives is virtually impossible.
Justice is not served to anybody when some cases come and go in anonymity and a select few get the full media treatment. I'd like to see all cameras out of the court rooms. No lawyer, judge, or jury can be completely real when the camera is watching.
Jean Arcamone
