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We can see it for ourselves

The murder trial of Derek Chauvin, the fired Minneapolis police officer who kept his knee on the neck of George Floyd last May for over nine minutes, until Floyd died, is different from any other trial held in Minnesota up to know. It is being livestreamed. We can all watch and listen as the attorneys make their cases, as the witnesses testify, as the judge rules on motions and objections.

Previous to this, cameras and recorders have not been allowed in Minnesota courtrooms, except recently when cameras have been allowed in the sentencing phase of a trial.

In a case that has generated such intense public interest, livestreaming allows anyone and everyone to watch. Those who are convinced there’s no justice for Blacks, or who think the police are being scapegoated, can watch to see how the trial proceeds and whether justice is being served.

Of course, the most crucial part of the trial, the jury deliberations, will not be recorded. It will take place behind closed doors. But those who have been watching will be able to understand the issues they have to consider.

When the verdict is delivered, we hope this transparency will lead to a calmer acceptance of the verdict, whatever it may be.

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