I didn’t see that coming. You have a way of surprising me. A good chapter showing how our choices in life are not always easy, and the outcomes are just as often unpredictable.
I really wondered what you would think of this one. I think in Michael's case, had a different judge presided, the outcome could have gone completely opposite.
Well, both witnesses testified that they saw the gun “brought to bear,” if I’m remembering correctly. And one of those witnesses was the wife, who was not a friendly witness. That lends a lot of credibility to the claim that the gun was indeed leveled. Michael’s testimony that he didn't recall exactly wasn't in his best interest. But he did confirm that he felt his life was in danger. You really don’t have to wait for someone to get a good aim at you before acting to protect yourself. Shooting decisions are split seconds. When you’re in fear of your life, it’s not uncommon that you may be a little fuzzy on the details with the adrenaline rush. Not ideal, but it’s real. Also, testifying to something that really wasn’t in your best interest, after two witnesses affirmed facts that are in your best interests, lends some credibility to the fact that you are honest.
I returned to re-read some of the facts. And found you said it all here.
“But the question before me is whether there is probable cause to hold Mr. Vincent for trial. Two witnesses have testified that Mr. Mercer brought the shotgun to bear before Mr. Vincent fired. Mr. Vincent testifies that he believed himself in danger, though he cannot recall the precise order of events.”
How things are handled today and back then are two different matters. But I think in those days, in particular, that would still have been the most likely outcome. Today, hearings are exhaustive and determining those facts is extensive. But the law was different back then. Justice was a little swifter. The scene was credible to me and how it would have likely occurred in this setting. Enjoyed the chapter.
I didn’t see that coming. You have a way of surprising me. A good chapter showing how our choices in life are not always easy, and the outcomes are just as often unpredictable.
Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I really wondered what you would think of this one. I think in Michael's case, had a different judge presided, the outcome could have gone completely opposite.
Well, both witnesses testified that they saw the gun “brought to bear,” if I’m remembering correctly. And one of those witnesses was the wife, who was not a friendly witness. That lends a lot of credibility to the claim that the gun was indeed leveled. Michael’s testimony that he didn't recall exactly wasn't in his best interest. But he did confirm that he felt his life was in danger. You really don’t have to wait for someone to get a good aim at you before acting to protect yourself. Shooting decisions are split seconds. When you’re in fear of your life, it’s not uncommon that you may be a little fuzzy on the details with the adrenaline rush. Not ideal, but it’s real. Also, testifying to something that really wasn’t in your best interest, after two witnesses affirmed facts that are in your best interests, lends some credibility to the fact that you are honest.
I returned to re-read some of the facts. And found you said it all here.
“But the question before me is whether there is probable cause to hold Mr. Vincent for trial. Two witnesses have testified that Mr. Mercer brought the shotgun to bear before Mr. Vincent fired. Mr. Vincent testifies that he believed himself in danger, though he cannot recall the precise order of events.”
How things are handled today and back then are two different matters. But I think in those days, in particular, that would still have been the most likely outcome. Today, hearings are exhaustive and determining those facts is extensive. But the law was different back then. Justice was a little swifter. The scene was credible to me and how it would have likely occurred in this setting. Enjoyed the chapter.
I’m feeling really bad for Sadie. Life was hard for women back then.
It really was, and Sadie loves him so much. She just wants him to come home. She doesn't care what he did.
Whether Michael thinks he deserves to go home is another matter.
What a great chapter. The moral ambiguity is phenomenal. What we'll do for the things we hold dear . . .
Even when you're in the right, consequence finds us all. Big choices carry big consequences. For both parties here.