Re “Death Penalty, My Experience and the Jodi Arias Case”
The Jodi Arias murder trial is the first time in many years that I have followed a court session so carefully.
I had completely lost my faith in the justice system after a series of celebrity cases where justice was not served because of the defendant’s fame or wealth or power. What attracted me to the Arias case was seeing a young woman who had butchered her lover stand without emotion, look everyone in the eye and speak eloquent lies without changing the color of her face.
Finally we saw the presence of an intelligent, prepared prosecutor, Mr. Juan Martinez. For the first time in my memory, here was a prosecutor who showed he cared for the victim and his family. The knowledgeable investigators, police and scientific experts displayed concern for the victim and worked diligently to prove their findings.
This Is a Pleasant Change
Jurors also have worked hard the last five months to bring justice to the courtroom after losing cases in other places. Maybe it is the Arizona justice system that works better than other states do. Jurors were not merely decorations. They actively participated, asking questions, challenging all sides. Perhaps more criminals should be judged in Arizona.
Earlier this month, jurors found Ms. Arias guilty of first-degree murder, and the next day they voted that she had abused and killed the victim with cruelty. Following the final arguments, they must decide on the punishment, sending her to the death row or life without the possibility of parole. Of course the defense attorney asked for pity and mercy for a person who did not apply the same wish to her victim.
Reporters were excited to discuss the Arias case in their newspapers and television programs for months. Many watched and participated in these programs, and millions were spent in television advertising promoting the trial. This added fuel to the existing fire, but of course it also clarified the hidden messages of the criminal, the attorneys and experts. Everyone was excited until the last stage.
When the case entered its final phase, they adopted more somber voices. This became more of an intellectual and political argument of life vs. death.
From a personal experience, I well understand this feeling. I have gone through every step of it.
Our Tragedy
My daughter Liana was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 18, while we were returning from Friday night prayers.
She was going to leave for college in 25 hours.
We never sued the drunken driver. We did not believe that he or anyone could pay the real price of Liana’s by any means. I did not have much faith in the justice system, either. My God was the witness, the best judge.
I asked Him for justice. I only needed strength to take care of my injured family members and somehow find peace in our broken hearts.
I vaguely saw the drunk driver moments after the accident.
We did not want to see or hear from him anymore.
But the State of California always has a hearing with the drunken drivers as they have broken the State Law. They also like the victim family to be present and talk in court in order to make an impact on the decision of the judge.
A month after our accident, the district attorney called. He asked us to be present in court. I had mixed feelings. I pitied the drunk driver as honestly I prefer to be the victim myself than inflict such a pain on others.
The loss of Liana had caused so much pain in our hearts, in addition of the physical pain, that there was almost no space left for anger and hate. I told my family that I have not forgiven the drunk driver. How could I? I have tried to go past him in order to be able to function.
For me, forgiveness, punishment and revenge are God’s domain not mine.
(To be continued)
Dr. Rosemary Hartounian Cohen, who lives in the Fairfax District, received her Ph.D in sociology from the Sorbonne in Paris. She lived in two other countries before moving, with her husband and children, to Los Angeles in 1984. She has published four books in America. Since 1985, she has operated Atelier de Paris, an international art business, on Robertson Boulevard. Her email address is Rosemary@atelierdeparis.com
