reparations?
Will have to do take a few minutes to research & conduct my own due diligence on this case. For now, I am rather curious what became of this man once out. We are told a bit of information (he united with son & grandchild & so forth).
Since it's chronicled he pursued a Masters in psychology while locked up, I can't help but wonder if that is the line of work he professionally pursued thereafter? And yeah, we are told he travels to advise/lecture on the court system but doubt that's full time or frankly, much pays the bills.
But speaking as to (bills!) MONEY....
Given the documentary outlines what happened to some of the involved prosecutors & such (at the end, in script), one can't help but wonder if Michael got settlement.
There are plenty of documented cases of reparations due to miscarriage of justice on behalf of the innocent. No, it's not like one can "make up" for time lost, damage of relationships & human suffering, but fact is, often settlements ARE made in lieu of being able to alter the past.
Wish they had included (if not a figure necessarily!) some information of that sort here. There's NO way it failed to qualify. Or better put, that a lawyer (of all ppl.) would miss opportunity to recommend such maneuver (and also undoubtedly, collect SOME of it).
While also worth mentioning, even with ALL that is presented, one can't help but feel his atty. failed him MISERABLY during his trial.
Regardless WHAT was shown later to be criminal, still pretty hard case to LOSE in my estimation! NO evidence, not ONE shred. The defendant, at minimum, should've been instructed HOW to present himself to a jury...didn't even appear THAT much was done. Coaching is BIG part of the process.
But oh....I suppose I should retract SOME of that sentiment due to when watching this, stunningly one hears the (sorry.. but ignorant!) female juror actually SAY on film "well certainly the defense did NOTHING to prove him innocent!"
HOW SCARY to realize there exist this "jury of our PEERS" who do NOT even understand the simple precept of our legal system that clearly states the burden of PROOF lies with the prosecution.
I guess she never heard "innocent until proven guilty!"
Yeah, frightening to listen to! She, by NO measure, qualifies as MY peer.
But worse, she's-- by NO means-- alone. There are many persons just like HER sitting in jury rooms across our vast country every day.
Totally makes a case...well, more than proves a case-- for implementation of "professional juries" and NOT continue with random selection from a pool of our society (this jury of our peers!)
People CAN be dangerously terrifying & undeserving of such ridiculous level of power! THIS very documentary proves how much SO!!