Mike Peterson case a prism for discussing problems with justice system
What is it that allows and compels us as people to draw conclusions before we ever hear all the facts of evidence?
O.J., Brett Kavanaugh and Michael Peterson immediately come to mind. It’s just one of the topics I’ll be discussing Wednesday night with Peterson's lead attorney, David Rudolf.
Do we really want to hear evidence? Can we ever look through another’s lens to discover what may or may not be true? Is anyone truly innocent until proven guilty? How can a jury listen to all that’s presented? Do juries make up THEIR minds early? Is the justice system just?
I’ve covered too many trials to know mistakes are made. There’s no doubt the U.S. justice system remains the best on the planet, yet there have to be areas where it can be improved.
I covered the 2003 Peterson trial gavel to gavel, every day. I watched as he was led from the courtroom and taken to prison. I watched as he was released eight years later because of tainted blood evidence presented during the trial. I interviewed him the day he pleaded guilty in an Alford plea to killing his wife. And now, thanks to "The Staircase," a series airing on Netflix, interest in the case has exploded again.
Rudolf and I will speak to a packed Carolina Theatre in Durham at 8 p.m., and our conversation about the case will include questions viewers of "The Staircase" have submitted. It’s sure to be a fascinating evening.
I would also like to hear from you with your questions. Email me at dcrabtree@wral.com or send them to my WRAL Facebook page.
