What I Learned Watching the Casey Anthony Trial

I’ll admit it; I’m way late jumping on the Casey Anthony bandwagon. After seeing about a bajillion facebook statuses along these lines: “OMG, I’m like, totes obsessed with the Casey Anthony trial,” did I decide to flip to HLN and check it out. I only watched the closing arguments of the case, and like the rest of the world, I got sucked in. I’m not proud, but I’ll own up to my recent creepy obsession. What I found most interested, however, was not the case itself, but how different actual court cases are from what I see on TV. It’s a lot more like my high school debate rounds than a sexy episode of “Law & Order” or “Franklin and Bash.” (What? You aren’t watching Franklin and Bash? Three words: Mark. Paul. Gosselaar.)

Here is what I learned watching the Casey Anthony Trial:

1-First, I was struck by how ugly the courtroom was. Who designed that piece of crap? Courtrooms aren’t historic and beautiful? No! They look much more like a lecture hall at a Junior College. Where’s the natural light filtering through large and beautiful windows? Don’t they know fluorescents aren’t flattering? Where are the marble floors and richly stained wood podiums? The reality is, it ain’t pretty folks.

2-They say things like “Objection!” “Overruled!” “Order in court!” and “You can’t handle the truth!!!” a lot less than Hollywood would have you believe. Lame, I say!

3-Guest stars really happen! Yes, TV’s Dr. G was called as a witness. Say wha??

4- It would really suck to be on a jury. As I’m watching, I kept thinking that if I was on that jury, I’m pretty sure I would be bawling crying the whole time. 1-Because it’s Fourth of July and I’m in a jury box. 2-This case is pretty boring most of the time. The décor isn’t the only thing that recalls the days of Junior College. These lawyers can be really repetitive and boring to listen to! Can you imagine sitting in the same (undoubtedly uncomfortable) seat all day, not by your own will? And 3-they have a terrible decision to make! I came into this thing thinking I knew where I stood, but after listening to both the defense’s and state’s arguments, I tend to believe whoever is speaking at that time. Which brings me to number 5.

5-The media really screws things up. I already knew this of course, but when imagining the jury trying not to consider the views of the media when making their decisions, I realize how much influence the media really has on our daily opinions. It’s sick really. I just wish I knew the real truth! Which I think is the same reason why so many other women seem to be obsessed with this case. (Side note: why do only women seem to be engrossed with this ordeal? Curious…)

I leave you with this thought- I hope I’m never on a jury in a murder trial. (Knock on wood.) I’ll be praying for this jury and trusting that our judicial system will see justice served. Until then, you can find me watching reruns of Nancy Grace.