Tegwyn

Finally, appropriate justice. Oscar Pistorius convicted of murder by appeals court - World - CBC News

Beaverstate

I saw that, as it should have been from the first trial.

MartynK

This doesn't come as any real surprise. The five judges had studied the trial transcript and the judgement before the appeal was heard. Some of the questions put from the bench, and particularly by Judge Leach, were very pointed. They gave some indication of how the court was leaning.

Of course, OP probably won't be resentenced until early next year, and his lawyers will try to argue exceptional grounds for clemency based on his disability and suggestions that's he's suffering from PTSD and potentially suicidal. Shame, eh...but there's also the possibility of an appeal to the Constitutional Court.

I expect he'll remain 'free' in the meantime, subject to the terms of his release under Correctional Supervision.

Tegwyn

His disability is that he is still breathing. Needs a life
of hell.

MartynK

So, the Constitutional Court have declined to hear his appeal on the ground that it 'lacks prospects of success'. No great surprise, and there is no further appeal against conviction.

It remains to be seen what sentence Judge Masipa imposes next month. The state will argue for, at least, the minimum sentence of 15 years and the defence will try to show exceptional mitigating circumstances to reduce this. If they fail, there is still the possibility of an appeal against sentence but that's it.

uk_grenada

I believe he is guilty of murder, and should spend the rest of his life in jail for it. That his priviledged family have been able to pervert the course of justice in sa for so long is just an indication of that countries legal problems i guess.

MartynK

The Supreme Court of Appeal found him guilty of murder, but he won't spend the rest of his life in prison. The state will probably ask for the statutory minimum sentence (15 years) and the defence will argue that there are strong mitigating/extenuating circumstances.

Pistorius will still have the right of appeal against sentence if this goes against him. I think the state have the same right, if they think it is too lenient, but I doubt if they'll pursue it. Gerrie Nel has made his point.