The following op-ed first appeared in The Conversation.
There is a difference between enforcing the law and being the law. The world is now witnessing another in a long history of struggles for racial justice in which this distinction may be ignored.
Derek Chauvin, a 45-year-old white former Minneapolis police officer, is on trial for second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man.
There are three questions I find important to consider as the trial unfolds. These questions address the legal, moral and political legitimacy of any verdict in the trial. I offer them from my perspective as an Afro-Jewish philosopher and political thinker who studies oppression, justice and freedom. They also speak to the divergence between how a trial is conducted, what rules govern it – and the larger issue of racial justice raised by George Floyd’s death after Derek Chauvin pressed his knee
Derek Chauvin murder trial puts spotlight on police use-of-force training mycentraloregon.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mycentraloregon.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
7 key takeaways from the Chauvin trial as the prosecution rests its case Crystal Hill
The prosecution rested its case Tuesday against Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer standing trial for murder in the death of George Floyd, arguing that Chauvin’s use of force to subdue Floyd was excessive and unjustified and ultimately killed him.
The state wrapped up its case Monday with testimony from Dr. Jonathan Rich, a cardiologist at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago, use-of-force expert Seth Stoughton and Philonise Floyd, the victim’s younger brother.
In his emotional and brief testimony, Philonise Floyd talked about his brother’s childhood, his talent for basketball and football and his close relationship with his mother.
Derek Chauvin Trial: 3 Questions America Needs To Ask About Seeking Racial Justice In A Court Of Law ibtimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ibtimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
There's a divergence in how a trial is conducted, what rules govern it – and the larger issue of racial justice. That divergence affects the legitimacy of any verdict.