Samantha Blake 10/3/01
I am a juror on the up coming trial and I have been given certain rules to follow such as not talking or reading about the trial. Today I have accidentally glanced at the newspaper while I was waiting on line at a supermarket. I know I wasn't supposed to learn inside information about the trial, but it was truly an accident. I read the headline of the paper and it said, "Boy/Savages On Trial for Murder". I was horrified when I saw this, and for my own concern barely skimmed the article.
I found out that a bunch of English schoolboys were shot down from a plane and crashed into an island. They were without adults and had to fend for themselves. As I read on it said that the boys tried work together in trying to get rescued, but one boy named Jack went against the group, turned into a savage, and went on a killing spree. Now that the survivors have been rescued, Jack is being put on trial for murder.
When I left the supermarket I was bombarded with mixed feelings. I knew that I wasn't supposed to have known any information prior to the trial, but now that I know what it is on I have begun to form an opinion on this case. Proper schoolboys do not just savagely kill. This boy must have had a murderous streak to kill others who are in the same position as he is. He is a young boy and has committed a crime and should be changed accordingly.
However, my work with children makes me understand how and why circumstances can turn violent. Kids argue and disagree especially when it comes down to groups and who’s the leader. The rebel type kids may go against the leader or whoever
is the one who makes the decisions. I can see how a conflict like this could come about. Depending on the person and the situation, the conduct of rebellion is natural, but murder is not. I love kids but there is a limit to what they can get away with. From what I know already, I am torn on my decision and will wait till I know all the facts about what happened.
As of right now I am tied on my opinion and could be convinced either way. My strongest feelings are on the fact that this is murder, someone’s life was taken away, and their should be big consequences of these actions. My other side is my love of kids and my knowledge of their reasons for doing what they do. I don’t know what happened and whose fault or the specifics of this case is and will still be reasonable in my deciding vote.