Tampa Bay Division: Protests Over Police Shootings

Groups across the country are gathering and protesting the number of police shootings. Often the “trigger” of a protest is over an unarmed youth being shot with what the groups are saying, without cause. It is interesting to note that when the facts are taken before a grand jury they often find that the officer was justified in defending himself and no charges are laid. The Grand Jury is doing exactly what it is intended to do. It assesses the facts of the situation and makes a recommendation. I am grateful for the courage and wisdom that I have seen demonstrated by the citizens who sit on the Grand Jury and who make courageous but often controversial recommendations. I am thankful for a legal system that overall works. I am thankful for Judges that have the wisdom and courage to make decisions based on facts and the law. I am grateful.