How is my saying the same thing in different words “knee jerk”?
Anyone that looks different then society in general’s perception of normal is going to be at a disadvantage when in a courtroom. Would my pointing this out have been ok had the example the previous poster I quoted used a flamboyant cross dresser or a baggie pants skateboarder instead of a biker?
The point I was making remains the same, if you come before the court looking or acting contrary to what they want to see you are starting from a negative position.
People seem to be assuming that a defendant must either be remorseful or stone-faced. There are other emotions he or she can have - fear or disbelief for instance. Even sympathy for the victim.
Plus, doesn’t the defendant get to make a statement before sentencing?
When I was on a criminal jury (for a minor case) we didn’t get to do sentencing at all, the judge did it after we were dismissed.