Re: [pyrnet] Verdict in the Diane Whipple mauling case?

[Shannon Russell <smrussel@neoucom.edu>]

I'm not completely sure about California but what may have happened is that
when someone is convicted of Murder they are also convicted of any and all
lesser charges.  The lesser charges would include manslaughter.  The system
works this way so that when someone is charged with a severe offense if the
jury believes that they are guilty but not to the extent required by the
severe offense then they are usually convicted of the "lesser offense."  In
this case manslaughter.  The offenses are not separate offenses but usually
things like intent and or knowledge of the risk involved.  See if the little
chart below helps:

Offense                                             What guilty of    
            .
Aggravated Murder                            Offense A & B & C &
D
Murder                                               Offense A & B &
C
Manslaughter                                     Offense A & B


Kind of confusing but that's the justice system!! 



darrell goolsbee wrote:
> 3C9B9280.4AD7@ev1.net">
> OK, California folks. I need an explanation on this one.
>
> Attorneys interviewed in the media here in TX were absolutely baffled by
> the CA jury's verdict in the Whipple mauling case. The problem: How can
> you convict someone both of murder and manslaughter in the same
> incident? It should be one or the other. The view was there would be no
> way the seemingly conflicted verdict against the woman would be upheld
> under TX law, but of course, CA may well be different.
>
>
> Darrell Goolsbee
> Fort Worth, TX
>
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