The attorneys for the prosecution would differ with that.
Yes, this is correct. In fact, due to the way the crimes are defined I find it hard to believe you could convict of 2nd Degree Murder and not convict on the manslaughter charge. It’s not strictly a “lesser included offense” but it’s pretty damn close.
You’d have to say that he intentionally assaulted Floyd, which substantially caused Floyd’s death. But that he didn’t negligently take a risk that caused death or great bodily harm. That seems a tough needle to thread.
My thoughts exactly. If not now, then on appeal.
If he is acquitted, does the thread title get changed?
Hung jury, Chauvin walks. The State doesn’t re-try it.
You are reading the back of my mind. 
That really better not happen.
I think he’ll get third degree murder and manslaughter. Come on, jury, it’s a murder!
That’s a prison wing I’d hate to have duty in!
Actually it is a quirk. Typically even a life sentence is subject to parole review after as little as 15 years. The prisoner might be released on parole for the rest of his life. He won’t be entirely free – has to report periodically to a parole officer, must notify changes of address, etc. – but at least he’s walking around. The plus 20 means he won’t be considered for parole until the minimum for that addition – typically one third – has elapsed so our “Life +20” guy is in for a minimum of 20 or 21 years.
Ditto for multiple life sentences. Get convicted and sentenced for three life sentences and you’re looking at a minimum of 45 years in the slammer.
It’s a way of saying, “We really mean it.”
I stand corrected.
Obviously the law is the place for split hairs like these, but what is the observable effect of being convicted of multiple crimes for a single act when the punishment is the same? More difficulty on appeal?
The jury has reached a verdict, which will be read in about an hour (4:30 - 5:00 Eastern time).
You remind me of someone who said on Facebook that he wanted to see a defendant put in the electric chair for 20 years. Some people had to point out to him that this would lead to a rather…unsightly outcome.
Since the verdict has been returned, I’ve closed the poll. Yes, he was found guilty on all 3 counts but I would stay the 16% the voted for 2nd degree murder got it right.
I am soooo glad to have voted wrong.
I am glad to be proven wrong. But we should also now have a poll for what happens on appeal, especially after the judge muddied the waters prior to deliberation.
Me, too!
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This is a reasonable anxiety. An appeal is (virtually) certain.
I don’t see how they could possibly make ‘Maxine Waters ruined everything!’ the centerpiece of the appeal and hope to get away with it; they will need some substantive error in the judge’s rulings to get anywhere.
(But even before appeal: I am having visions of too many tv episodes in which the judge overturns the jury’s verdict, usually due to the judge being shown to be a bigot of one variety or other. I hope nothing of the kind is a possibility here.)
Exactly. If one of the verdicts get thrown out on appeal there’s still two more keeping him in prison. There’s potential appeal issues with how the law is intended to apply to Murder 3 that could very well get it tossed, but Murder 2 and Manslaughter 2 are going to stick unless there is something about the entire trial.