Amanda Knox: Italian Justice System on Trial

The verdict in Amanda Knox's appeals trial is expected today around 4 pm PST (2 pm on the east coast).  What we have learned from this case is that Italian justice leaves a lot to be desired.  There is no habeas corpus, no protections against self-incrimination, no prevention of double jeopardy, and no right to a speedy trial.

Per author Douglas Preston, who wrote a book, the Monster of Florence, the Italian system is rife with corruption, coerced statements, lawyer vendettas, forced confessions, planted evidence and other illegal methods.

Today Italy has an opportunity to change course, to right at least one wrong in its system of justice, and that is to acquit Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito of a murder that they obviously had nothing to do with.  The question is, will the jurors in this trial place more importance on their cultural ties than on facts and evidence?

Italians accord great respect and esteem to a father-figure, the prosecutor Giuliano Mignini.  Will they base their decision on this misplaced deference, or will they base their decision on facts and evidence?  We shall see.