CNN’s legal analysts seem to have a problem with Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights, and this came up again on Wednesday. Jennifer Rodgers was joined by Jim Sciutto, Erica Hill and Erica Hill for a discussion about Kyle Rittenhouse’s ongoing trial. The jury is currently deliberating.
Rittenhouse is facing several felonies related to a single night in Kenosha (Wisconsin) when he killed two and shot three others. Although the defense maintains that Rittenhouse fired all his shots in self-defense it is unlikely that he will be convicted on the most severe charge which can lead to a life sentence in prison. CNN host and CNN guest slam Rittenhouse for having a gun.
After Rodgers begrudgingly admitted that Rittenhouse’s testimony helped him, saying that “he was actually a very good witness,” Sciutto returned to a talking point that he has brought up again and again, fretting over a so-called legal precedent enabling Americans to openly carry guns, should Rittenhouse be acquitted (also known as the Second Amendment): “From a perspective of precedent…nationally, do you see the potential for setting something of a precedent for how folks react, if they see violence, riots, protests in another city and whether they can show up and whether they’ll have some legal protection for doing so?”
Rodgers responded by citing an article from The New York Times on self-defense jurisprudence. The article claims that the concept of self defense is outdated, especially in the context of “a country where the perception of threat is heavily influenced by race”: “Experts say self-defense, vigilantism and policing are deeply connected — all are deeply racialized American traditions in which Black people, particularly men, are more likely to be viewed as threats and white people are more likely to be given the benefit of the doubt.”
The article also insinuates that simply carrying a gun could be considered a provocation that would discount any claims of self-defense, citing a law professor who said: “If you display a firearm or you point it at another person, that’s a threatening act that ordinarily would give, I think, a reasonable apprehension of death or serious bodily harm.”
Rodgers also claimed unsubstantiated that there was a correlation between legal firearms and gun violence.
More situations will arise as more jurisdictions adopt laws that allow citizens to freely carry firearms on the streets. There will be more gun violenceWe’ll see more of these cases, where people end up being shot. This is a problem that we as society need to tackle. Consider if you are willing to make a difference about the gun violence that is resulting from all of these guns.. This is unfortunately a much bigger problem for legislators to address.
Evidently, the liberal media want fewer law-abiding citizens to carry guns and deplores the legislative process that preserves the right.
Liberty Mutual sponsored the segment.
Click Expand to see the complete transcript.
CNN Newsroom
11/17/2021
10.01:45 AM
JIM SCIUTO: We’d like to speak with Jennifer Rodgers (ex-Federal Prosecutor) about everything that is happening here.
…
SCIUTTO – There are a variety of charges. We should make it clear that there is a wide range of different charges. These charges can be for various deaths or different people who were killed by Rittenhouse. Erica and me have learned from trial lawyers and judges that juries often look for compromises when they are faced with such a wide variety of charges. This means that juries are naturally inclined to assign some accountability, even though it may not be the most serious charge. By the by, I asked that you add the condition because we don’t know how this particular jury will turn out.
JENNIFER RODGERS : When you consider how 12 members of a jury would view this matter, it’s clear that they are negotiating. Each person has a different perspective. There will be differences at the beginning. Then they will seek out common ground, as there is a lot pressure for them to agree on a final verdict. They will be charged if they say they can’t do it. They must try and reach an agreement. As part of that they might negotiate. Although I don’t think they will say so, it is a common practice for them to negotiate. Then they’ll all say “Okay, we cannot agree on the maximum charge. But maybe we can agree on a smaller included cost.” That’s when they reach unanimity. This is the only way they can return a verdict.
ERICA HALL: As you know, the prosecution bears the ultimate burden in a case of this nature. However, a lot has been made of defense and defense’s case. This includes the decision to take Kyle Rittenhouse into evidence. What importance do you believe that is as they deliberate, when they go through the evidence and hear the testimony?
RODGERS This happens very rarely. However, it happens very rarely. I thought he was an excellent witness. The jury will have to consider not only what he stated but the evidence as well. In these cases, however, my belief is that defendant’s testimony in the case of Reuben and others was crucial. His performance was excellent. This will prove to be very helpful for him.
SCIUTTO However, you do see the possibility of setting a precedent in how people react to violence, riots or protests occurring in other cities. If so, will they be able to show up? Will they have legal protection?
RODGERS: There’s an interesting discussion going on about all this. The New York Times ran an article on it. This is what we will see as more jurisdictions adopt laws that allow citizens to freely carry firearms on the streets. More gun violence will happen –
SCIUTTO: Yeah.
RODGERS — We’ll see more of these cases where people get shot. But, if there wasn’t a law that allowed someone to have a gun such as this one, we wouldn’t be seeing as many. As a society we need to confront this problem and consider whether or not we would like to take action to reduce the number of guns that are being used to commit gun violence. Unfortunately, this is a larger issue that our legislators will have to resolve.
HILL: Jennifer Rodgers. It’s always a pleasure to have you here. Many thanks.
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