"In our system, the decision to convict is made before the trial, not after."

[Boojatta]

The quote is from Li Jianquiang, a human rights defender in China (who is not pleased about the current system there).

[aquart]

1. George would be so happy there.

[MazeRat7]

2. Same here in the US.. otherwise nothing would ever go to trial...

After all if the "prosecutor" (eg fed, state, country, et al) did not make a "decision to convict" prior to going to trial... there would not be a trial.

Granted, the final "decision of guilt" after the fact is supposed to rest with a panel of our peers.. but that sometimes has its problems as well. :)

MZr7

[texastoast]

3. Yeah, George would just love that

And, hmm, China is SUCH a human rights offender. Wonder why shrubbie didn't want to get rid of that "regime." Oh, they make our shoes cheap, that's right.

[Boojatta]

5. Maybe he's smart enough to recognize that World War 3 wouldn't be a good idea?

Wonder why shrubbie didn't want to get rid of that "regime."

[texastoast]

9. Well sure WWIII wouldn't be a good idea

Bush smart? Hardly. Even if we could "win" against China and establish democracy, we wouldn't do it because corporate America wants the cheap labor.

[BlooInBloo]

4. Wooow! They have *trials*? We just get sent to gitmo.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

6. What A Ridiculous Statement That Is. You Realize That Right? n/t

[BlooInBloo]

8. "Hyperbolic", my dear OM, "hyperbolic".

[razors edge]

7. Two words

make the difference between despotism and freedom, Jury Nullification. The law, as well as the defendant is on trial.

[Jonathan50]

10. Just say the words "jury nullification" in court

And see how fast you are hustled out of there.

[razors edge]

12. Absofuckinglutly.

And how is it that the state is capable of stifling debate amongst the jurors of their dubious intentions and not be standing trial themselves for jury tampering?

If I were all powerful and passed a law saying you must adore and celebrate my rule over you, and then force all jurors to find you guilty without debate if you are found lacking in doing so, what would your feelings about freedom be at that point?

Never tell the prosecutor you are not a mindless drone. Once you are in deliberations, his job is over.

[ellisonz]

11. Countdown to the 2008 Summer Olympics!

:mad: