Legal Question in Personal Injury in Florida

Overturned jury verdict

In a south FL case approx. a year ago a teen ran over a mother who was pushing her infant in a stroller. The mother died the infant lived. Teen was speeding and had a history of same. Jury found him guilty and he was sentenced. Shortly after the judge threw out the verdict and set the teen free.

1) Why do we have a jury system if a judge can simply throw it out and rule himself?

2) If a judge can do this why couldn't the idiot ''Ito'' throw out the Simpson verdict and sentence him to death like he deserved?

I don't mean to sound like an idiot myself but rather a seriously curious individual who often finds it difficult to believe in the legal system. I guess I know the answer to question 2 but would like to know about no. 1. Sorry, I don't have access to Westlaw, etc. so don't know the case id. Thanx


Asked on 5/19/07, 7:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

Re: Overturned jury verdict

there are any number of reasons that a jury verdict can overturned. The judge's order is available for you to see the court's reasoning. There are probably some news reports on the issue. without more information, it is hard to comment in more depth.

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Answered on 5/19/07, 8:30 pm
Jacob Segal Landau & Segal, P.A.

Re: Overturned jury verdict

This is a criminal law question, not personal injury. However, judges, not juries impose sentences. The prosecutor probably introduced illegal evidence and the judge had no choice. However, without more facts its impossible to tell.

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Answered on 5/22/07, 7:51 pm


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