Exactly.

They are - but only after innocence or guilt has been established. They are taken as pleas in mitigation or aggravation and influence sentencing, but not guilt.

Exactly.

Yes I agree. But if the judge has determined he's guilty of the two lesser "discharging a firearm in a public place" charges then it would be difficult for her not to bear those in mind when considering the murder charge.

So, now with all the armchair experts weighing in ( me included), when does this case conclude? Does Oscar get to do more travelling overseas whilst he waits for his demise?

In Oscar's case, he claims he was at a disadvantage because he was on his stumps. In that case, shooting, why not call armed response/security or whoever he is contracted with (police are a waste of time) to get over there pronto so he has support when opening the door. He was using his handicap as an excuse.

That was the good point Moneypenny made. He obviously intended to shoot something behind the door and with his own self admission thats beyond reasonable doubt. If self defense is a no go here then he's gone.

You are speculating again

I think most of us were already mindful of that. The only thing in question really is why.

We're all speculating but that is an excellent point. In SA, calling in the police is like calling in the keystone cops. If anyone feels seriously uneasy about security then they would have panic buttons installed upstairs and downstairs - linked by telephone to a rapid reaction security force.

No shit Sherlock Holmes. Can that be murder or not?

Of course, but then chatting with family members that actually were a part of armed response educated me as to how their systems work. The fine Mr Pistorius lived in a secured area and had a good security detail at his disposal. These are just minor details those who know South African security know a snippet or two about. We are all speculating, no question about that. My opinion, I think the lad is guilty as charged.

That was the impression I got.

No one can seriously believe he is in any way innocent, he knew exactly what he was doing, his story is so full of holes you would have to be a Pistorious family member to believe his side of things.

Aw come on, he shot her 4 times by ACCIDENT, it could happen to anyone.

It's not a matter of what is believed, it's a matter of what the prosecution can prove beyond all reasonable doubt. While his story is full of holes, it seems to be casting enough chaff to distract from the murder charge.

In my opinion, I think he's angling to get manslaughter (or the SA equivalent) with home detention rather than prison on the grounds of his disablement.


S

I bet some people believe that exactly the case but as I say I think you would have to be part of the Pistorious family.

Yes, so he will basically get away with it. You get the justice you are able to pay for.