SINKHOLE

  Among all the injudicious comments published following Saturday evening’s unanimous jury verdict acquitting George Zimmerman of second degree murder and manslaughter, none were more inappropriate and, to borrow his own words, “tragic,” than those of President Obama, which by their clear implication derided our jury system and those who participate in it, and attempted to suborn and illegitimize the jurors’ decision. The "not guilty” verdict on both counts charged against Zimmerman should by definition be regarded both as a period at the end of a sentence and a conclusory interpretation and judgement concerning the facts of the case based on the evidence the jury panel was required to examine and analyze in an unbiased manner.


  Throughout a three-week, nationally televised trial, the State exercised, with maximum energy, financial resources, and seemingly unbridled authority, its duty and power to prosecute George Zimmerman for his alleged crime.  The fact that it failed -- absolutely -- on verdict speaks volumes.  The public would gain immeasurably by listening, but the president wants it to listen to and hear something else.


  As an experienced attorney who used to practice in our state and federal courts, I find it difficult to believe that President Obama is, in fact, really an attorney at all, that he swore his attorney's oath with any sincerity or conviction.  No real lawyer, mindful of his ethical obligations, the disciplinary rules, and the corpus of common and statutory law that binds us as a people, would speak as he did. 


  A real lawyer would have commended the jury, thanked them for their work, and reminded his fellow citizens that the jury system is fundamental to our American democracy.

Kleroterion. This device was used for the jury selection system in Athens. Bronze identification tickets were inserted to indicate eligible jurors who were also divided into tribes. By a random process, a whole row would be accepted or rejected for jury service. There was a kleroteria in front of each court.