I'm going to start by laying this out there- I am not upset with the fact that Casey Anthony was acquitted. Now, if you're not going to take the time to read through my reasoning, but rather would make an emotion-based argument, please do not leave a comment. If after reading through my reasoning, you still feel to respectfully disagree, feel free to leave a well thought out comment.
There is an extremely high burden of proof that is, and rightfully should be, required in order to convict someone of murder. As with any case, the prosecution has to proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the person is guilty. It is not enough to just say "we think this person did A or B" or "draw your own conclusion from this set of semi-related facts." They have to PROVE it, not just suggest or strongly imply. That is why the most damning evidence is often referred to as a smoking gun.
As I followed the case, I didn't think there was a smoking gun. For one thing, the prosecution never could determine/present evidence that Caylee Anthony was murdered. There was never a conclusive determination of how she died. How can someone be charged with and convicted of murder if the death can't be ruled a homicide? I also never saw a clear motive presented, which is one of 3 things a solid murder case needs- the other two being means and opportunity.
That being said, I think she did a whole lot of things wrong. Lying to the police is not ever a good thing. Waiting for that long to call the police- who does that? Again, not a good idea. I don't think Casey Anthony is a functional, mentally healthy person and it seems her family has a history of being seriously dysfunctional. But the prosecution didn't meet the burden of proof required by the laws of the land.
As outraged as people may be over the fact that a person could let their child's death go unnoticed (and well they should be), what kind of a world/justice system would it be if we let emotion convict people instead of facts and evidence? Not one that I would prefer.
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