Acquittal Quote by Joan Smith
““Roache's statement after his acquittal was dignified but his supporters were angry. They demanded to know why the case was ever brought, claiming that the actor was a victim of the "hysteria" created by revelations about Jimmy Savile. It's a curious conclusion to draw from a "not guilty" verdict; there are courtrooms where the conviction rate is 100 per cent but they tend to be in totalitarian states. In serious criminal cases in England and Wales, the rate is around 82 per cent, and I would be seriously worried if every defendant were to be found guilty. The Independent, 9 February 2014””
About This Quote
Source Article: The Independent, 9 February 2014, commentary on Roache case
The quote critiques how public reaction can ignore a not‑guilty verdict, highlighting differing conviction rates and the danger of assuming all legal outcomes are just.
In simple terms: People react emotionally to verdicts, overlooking systemic issues in justice systems.
Key Takeaway
Questionly, consider fairness of legal outcomes.
Themes
justice
public opinion
legal systems
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
commentary
opinion
When to use this quote
- courtroom verdicts
- media analysis
- policy debate
Key Concepts
conviction rates
media influence
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do conviction rates affect trust in justice?
- What role should media play in shaping public opinion?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes all verdicts are equally fair, which may not hold true.
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