[fabsroman]

Val,

A jury is usually instructed pretty well by the judge. However, that does not mean that a jury will follow the judges instructions and sometimes personal bias plays a role. If anybody could figure out why a jury goes one way or another, they would be very rich. In fact, there are jury selection experts that some of the larger firms use for big trials.

In civil trials, and probably criminal trials (i.e., I don't do jury criminal trials), the judge has the ability to overrule the jury's verdict, but only if the evidence is overwhelmingly against the jury's verdict.

Our justice system isn't perfect and continues to be revamped, but it is a lot better than most legal systems.

Regarding Kobe, what makes you think that he was innocent and that this girl was just framing him for money. I would love to put a poll up about Kobe, Michael Jackson, Robert Blake, and OJ to see how many people think they are innocent, guilty, or just plain do not have an opinion. I believe the majority on this board would fry these guys.