Quote:
Originally Posted by Slidellkid
Think of lesser charges like this: If your wife was murdered and they charged the guy with first degree murder and the state can't prove first degree do you think the guy should walk? A murder still happened, just not in the first degree. Basically, a jury finds you guilty of what you did, not what was charged but they can't find you guilty for something greater than what you were originally charged with - only lesser.
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If my understanding is correct, this is the reason that most murder cases in Louisiana are tried in the 2nd degree...Because it's much harder to prove premeditation. Also, I was told that w/1st comes the potential for the death sentence which clogs the judicial system with appeals and, is very costly...Apparently more expensive then 2nd degree, even though it's an automatic life sentence.
Is there any truth to this?