We’re waiting for a verdict. Danny and Bijou arrived at the usual time, but they remained in the hallway as a handful of the journalists who have been here for the entire trial went into the courtroom. Judge Olmedo brought out some leftover Halloween candy for us, and said we were welcome to stay as long as we want.
Before the verdict comes in and you get inundated with messages, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for ALL of your hard work and efforts during this crazy trial. You made us all feel like we were right there with you in the courtroom. We felt your passions and frustrations. You worked so very hard keeping us informed with your daily emails and videos. You have been fair and professional while being compassionate and caring. We're going to miss you saying "Underground Bunker" from the court house (and one bar) and look forward to reading future postings and your wonderful podcasts about Scientology.
This is voyeurism in a way all of us watching this develop - but honestly, I believe these victims and I certainly believe they were mentally coerced by Scientology to shut up. That is criminal and if they experienced that abuse then justice really needs to be served. These women were violated and abused. Pretty abhorrent.
You need to do a full article showing each one of Cohen's outfits. He's taken the time to dress up to the nines, and we want to see for ourselves all of his splendor
As was mentioned by Tony, this is a very diverse jury coming from different backgrounds, ages , and gender. Each hears the info through their own lens. Coming to a consensus will be difficult because there are three different charges, and a standard or forcible rape vs. rape alone. The fact they are taking their time shows their sincerity to get it right. Many took lots of notes, and they are taking their role seriously. Whatever their decision, we should be grateful that this jury is clearly determined to do the right thing.
Thank you for covering this trial. I admire everyone who has left (escaped) Scientology, the unjust treatment of people is scary. And the way they handle legal issues, especially in regards to abuse is terrifying. Keep up the great work, My heart goes out to these women, what they are doing is incredibly inspiring. I just pray justice is done for them.
The judge should have said more than "The attorneys' closing arguments are not evidence, and any demonstrative charts not previously entered are not evidence."
The jury's question referred to the following 5-paragraph statement in Cohen's closing:
"In talking about this concept of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. (Shows a chart) It goes through the stages about how you're feeling about the evidence in this case.
It goes from the bottom, proven not guilty. And remember, Ms. Goldstein and I could have done nothing and not asked a single question. The presumption of innocence starts there. And it goes up the ladder. He may be guilty, maybe not. If that's the mindset, it's not even close to proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
You then work your way up the ladder. You think he may be guilty. The women took the stand, they all said he raped them. I think he maybe, possibly may be guilty. You know that requires? A not guilty verdict.
Up the ladder: He's probably guilty. But that means nothing. Up the ladder. His guilt is highly likely. Again, that requires a not guilty verdict.
It is only if you get to an abiding conviction, the most compelling, the most thorough feeling I could have, that that man is guilty is of what he's charged that -- that, and only that, is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Regardless of what you may think of anyone in this trial."
The judge should have said something on the order of... "The defense attorney outlined "stages" of guilt which are NOT recognized by this or any other court. These are the "opinions" of the defense attorney, solely, and are not to be considered evidence, a gauge of evidence, or a degree of the defendant's guilt."
Before the verdict comes in and you get inundated with messages, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for ALL of your hard work and efforts during this crazy trial. You made us all feel like we were right there with you in the courtroom. We felt your passions and frustrations. You worked so very hard keeping us informed with your daily emails and videos. You have been fair and professional while being compassionate and caring. We're going to miss you saying "Underground Bunker" from the court house (and one bar) and look forward to reading future postings and your wonderful podcasts about Scientology.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
This is voyeurism in a way all of us watching this develop - but honestly, I believe these victims and I certainly believe they were mentally coerced by Scientology to shut up. That is criminal and if they experienced that abuse then justice really needs to be served. These women were violated and abused. Pretty abhorrent.
I love that you got the other journalists on-board as fashion critics! 😂
You need to do a full article showing each one of Cohen's outfits. He's taken the time to dress up to the nines, and we want to see for ourselves all of his splendor
Thank you for the update!
Two highlights of this. The Sartorial Splendor Alert and the consensus there will be a verdict today 🤞🤞🤞🤞
Same
As was mentioned by Tony, this is a very diverse jury coming from different backgrounds, ages , and gender. Each hears the info through their own lens. Coming to a consensus will be difficult because there are three different charges, and a standard or forcible rape vs. rape alone. The fact they are taking their time shows their sincerity to get it right. Many took lots of notes, and they are taking their role seriously. Whatever their decision, we should be grateful that this jury is clearly determined to do the right thing.
I just had a scary thought. If he is convicted, can he appeal immediately and be out on bail??
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for covering this trial. I admire everyone who has left (escaped) Scientology, the unjust treatment of people is scary. And the way they handle legal issues, especially in regards to abuse is terrifying. Keep up the great work, My heart goes out to these women, what they are doing is incredibly inspiring. I just pray justice is done for them.
The judge should have said more than "The attorneys' closing arguments are not evidence, and any demonstrative charts not previously entered are not evidence."
The jury's question referred to the following 5-paragraph statement in Cohen's closing:
"In talking about this concept of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. (Shows a chart) It goes through the stages about how you're feeling about the evidence in this case.
It goes from the bottom, proven not guilty. And remember, Ms. Goldstein and I could have done nothing and not asked a single question. The presumption of innocence starts there. And it goes up the ladder. He may be guilty, maybe not. If that's the mindset, it's not even close to proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
You then work your way up the ladder. You think he may be guilty. The women took the stand, they all said he raped them. I think he maybe, possibly may be guilty. You know that requires? A not guilty verdict.
Up the ladder: He's probably guilty. But that means nothing. Up the ladder. His guilt is highly likely. Again, that requires a not guilty verdict.
It is only if you get to an abiding conviction, the most compelling, the most thorough feeling I could have, that that man is guilty is of what he's charged that -- that, and only that, is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Regardless of what you may think of anyone in this trial."
The judge should have said something on the order of... "The defense attorney outlined "stages" of guilt which are NOT recognized by this or any other court. These are the "opinions" of the defense attorney, solely, and are not to be considered evidence, a gauge of evidence, or a degree of the defendant's guilt."