Thread by @theprez98

1/ As we move toward this evening's verdict, I wanted to finalize a few of my observations from watching most of the trial from the very beginning. #DerekChauvinTrial

2/ For me, there was really no debate about anything that happened before George Floyd was taken to the ground. Both sides essentially agreed that the use of force prior to this part of the confrontation was lawful. #DerekChauvinTrial

3/ The focus, then, was on what the prosecution had to prove regarding the prone restraint and what the defense could do to cast doubts on the prosecution's theory of the case. #DerekChauvinTrial

4/ The second degree felony murder charge gave the prosecution the greatest degree of flexibility because they only had to show that the use of force was unreasonable, and thus constituted a (third degree felony) assault. #DerekChauvinTrial

5/ The prosecution made a handful of unforced errors, but the structure of the case and charges gave them the latitude such that these errors did not really impact the end result. #DerekChauvinTrial

6/ Eric Nelson provided Derek Chauvin with a solid defense. I'm not sure anyone else, acting alone, could have done what he did. Every defendant deserves an Eric Nelson. But he did not have the latitude to make any mistakes. #DerekChauvinTrial

7/ In the end, in my mind, the prosecution proved the use of force was unreasonable; that Derek Chauvin assaulted George Floyd; and that it resulted in his death. The defense was not able to do enough to cast doubt on this story. #DerekChauvinTrial

8/ If I were a juror, I would likely have deliberated with the strong belief that the evidence proved that Derek Chauvin was guilty of second degree murder. We will find out in an hour if that is the case. #DerekChauvinTrial

9/ Given the relatively short time for deliberations, I don't think it would be going out on a limb to predict that Derek Chauvin will be guilty of second degree murder. I've been leaning that way for a while now despite the defense's strong effort. #DerekChauvinTrial

10/ It is either that obvious, or the jury will make a fool out of my prediction. Either way, I'll be back here for reactions as the verdict is read. See you then. #DerekChauvinTrial

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