LAL #004 — The Chauvin Trial (Part II)

<p>After two days of trial in the Derek Chauvin case, folks kept asking me: What's going on? Why isn't the defense objecting to the "expert" testimony of the mixed martial arts (MMA) fact witness, Donald Wynn Williams?<br /> <br /> I explore trial strategy and tactics in this podcast. I won't pretend to know what is on the mind of Derek Chauvin's lead counsel, Eric Nelson. But I will say this: Nelson is a pro. Odds are, he's letting the state set a scene that helps provide further support for the argument that, given the totality of the circumstances, the police officers behaved reasonably in the moments before George Floyd's death.<br /> <br /> How so?<br /> <br /> An angry crowd was gathering as Chauvin leaned on Floyd using a technique he had been trained to use. Does Chauvin look distracted and inattentive to Floyd? Perhaps he had a wary eye on a gathering mob chanting things like "bum" and "tough guy" at the officers. Williams testified he watched what he thought was a murder, but it didn't anger him. Jurors could rightly regard the witness less than objective.<br /> <br /> I also discuss the video most folks who talk about the trial haven't bothered to watch and which, once the jury watches it, will likely settle the case—it's the full 45-minute recording of the police encounter with Floyd. Watch it. Then ask yourself, what, exactly, should officers have done with Floyd?<br /> <br /> The prosecution set itself a high burden—proving unreasonable force. I doubt they can do it, unless the jury, barricaded in a courthouse and no doubt aware of hijinks on the courthouse steps, compromises and gives those who have not seen all the evidence a little something for their outrage.</p> --- Support this podcast: <a href= "https://anchor.fm/norm-pattis/support" rel= "payment">https://anchor.fm/norm-pattis/support</a>