User Comments

1. 

   10/23/09

   Floormodel

   I'd read about this guy. Confesses then pleads "not guilty" because his defense attys decided that he might be mentally ill. boggles the mind.

   [reply]
2. 

   10/23/09

   Floormodel

   as an aside, I follow the Casey Anthony case pretty closly, it's a mind boggler too.

   [reply]
3. 

   10/23/09

   MadameX

   There's nothing remotely mind-boggling about it. I don't know exactly how the Canadian system works, but I suspect that some element of mental state is required for conviction of most crimes, just like in the United States. The simple fact of having done something does not necessarily mean that a person is legally "guilty". In addition, if the man's attorney hopes to negotiate a plea agreement for him, he would lose all bargaining power to do that upon entry of a guilty plea. Pleading not guilty is the only way to keep the case alive while sorting out issues like mental state, competence to stand trial, and possible agreed resolutions.
   
   The only thing that's mind-boggling is that the press, which is of course well aware of those facts, chooses to stir up controversy instead of explaining what's actually going on.

   [reply]
4. 

   10/23/09

   russianmodels

   I'll have to check that one out Floor, thanks... I find the ineptness with which our legal system operates totally fascinating and a little bit scary!

   [reply]