EFFORTPOST My favorite courtroom moments

Hello! I hope you're doing well and that your week's been good so far. Today I wish to share with you my top 5 courtroom moments. There's something fascinating about the courtroom. The stakes are high, people's lives are on the line, and there are families seeking justice. It's no wonder it's entertaining! Have you ever been in the courtroom as a defendant? If so, leave your story below.

5. Diane Lovejoy faints

This is going to be a quick post because I'm feeling nauseous so forgive me if I don't go in-depth into the cases. Diane Lovejoy ordered a hit on her husband but she was thwarted by law enforcement. Lovejoy and her accomplice, gun instructor Weldon McDavid Jr., were both found guilty in connection with the failed murder attempt. For her efforts, she received 26 years to life in prison. Upon being declared guilty, she sways in her seat before fainting, her head hitting the table with an audible THUD! It's quite the event to watch!

4. Former Judge Tracie Hunter dragged out of courtroom

Judge Tracie Hunter was convicted in 2014 on a felony charge of unlawful interest in a public contract. The charge stemmed from allegations that she used her position to help her brother, a juvenile court employee, keep his job after he was accused of assaulting a youth in custody. Upon being ordered to serve a six-month jail term, she resists being taken into custody, resulting in her being dragged out of court while her supporters protest in the gallery. It's quite the sight!

3. Derek Chauvin is convicted of murder

We all know the case. Derek Chauvin kneeled on the fine gentleman George Floyd, resulting in his death. The court case was a long and controversial one that occurred amidst global protests against police brutality. On April 20, 2021, Chauvin was found guilty on all three charges:

• Second-degree unintentional murder: This charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years.

• Third-degree murder: This charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.

• Second-degree manslaughter: This charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

When the guilty verdict is read out, Chauvin is like a deer in headlights. You can see the fear bubbling up within him. He knows he's in for a bad time. Since being incarcerated, he has been shanked by fellow inmates. It's hard to not feel pity for a fellow human being in distress.

3. Jaleel Smith-Riley faints in court

Oh cawd! Sometimes people don't want to deal with the consequences of their actions. I've made bad choices in life, like choosing to study English instead of getting a worthwhile degree. However, I accept my mistakes as I deal with the consequences now. Jaleel wasn't prepared to do that. He tried robbing Porshia Brooks and her boyfriend Aaron Martin. Upon finding out Aaron, he shot him in the head before opening fire on Porshia, who died. For his evil deeds, he received life without parole. Upon hearing the news, he bobs his head comically before collapsing! Oh cawd!

2. Ronnie O'Neal Shouts in Court

This is a sad case that probably deserves an effortpost of its own. On March 18, 2018, in Riverview, Florida, Ronnie O'Neal brutally murdered his girlfriend, Kenyatta Barron, and their 9-year-old daughter, Ron'Niveya O'Neal, who had special needs and was non-verbal due to her disabilities. O'Neal also attempted to kill his 8-year-old son, Ronnie O'Neal IV, by stabbing him multiple times and setting the family's house on fire. Remarkably, the boy survived the attack and later testified against his father in court.

He chose to represent himself which is seldom a good choice. During his opening statement, he screamed a lot and claimed the police fabricated evidence against him. Really, you have to watch the whole thing to appreciate it. It's a slow burn but it's good.

1. Amber Guyger is forgiven

How do you feel about forgiveness? Is it cucked or is it a good value to have? Some people are able to forgive in the most trying circumstances. This includes Brandt Jean who is the brother of Botham Jean. Amber Guyger, a white off-duty Dallas police officer, entered the apartment of 26-year-old Botham Jean, believing it was her own. Guyger lived in the same apartment complex as Jean, one floor below him. Upon entering the apartment, which had a slightly ajar door, Guyger claimed she believed Jean was an intruder. She drew her service weapon and shot Jean, who was sitting on his couch eating ice cream. Jean was struck in the chest and died from his injuries. Guyger was initially charged with manslaughter, but the charge was later upgraded to murder.

In court, Guyger is made to listen to victim impact statements. One comes from Brandt who says he forgives Guyger and doesn't want her to go to jail. He also hugs her with permission from the judge. This move sparked controversy. Some viewed it as quite cucked, and interpreted it as another case of people going easy on a white woman. Others (including myself) see Brandt as exceptionally brave. What do you think?

Conclusion

My teeth hurt because I had new braces put in. My life is mid at the moment, but I have faith that things will get better. I have a new part-time job so I'm not completely broke. However, I'm still on the hunt for a full-time job. Tune in next time when we discuss Ramy of OB Global, Alex Rosen of Predator Poachers, and the rest of the amateur predator hunting community.