Analysis Of Oscar Pistorius's Trial

During the trial, the defense, they held fast to Oscar’s claim. Pistorius stated that he believed that the person behind the door was an intruder and that he was terrified. He denied all accusations of purposely shooting Steenkamp (Burke). Thousands of messages between the couple were unveiled. These messages evinced their love for one another (“Oscar Pistorius”). The defense also brought up witnesses who testified that the couple were very loving. This information held a convincing argument that Pistorius had not premeditated Reeva’s death. Proving premeditation is not the only way to convict a murder, in fact, according to South African law, it is not needed at all (ABC News). A point came up in court that questioned if

Aside from the point that his disability amplified his response to possible danger, the defense has several other convincing points to prove. On April 15th, Pistorius read a Valentine’s day card from Reeva. It was also said that Pistorius planned to pick up his gifts for her that day. The card she wrote to him read, "I think today is a good day to tell you that, I love you,"(“Oscar Pistorius”). This strengthened the defense's point. The prosecution show photos of Reeva’s wounds. In response to this, Pistorius was visual upset, he vomited several times and had been sobbing (“Oscar Pistorius”). The court analyzed their messages on Whatsapp, their Valentine’s Day cards, and every single piece and part of their relationship. They found nothing that was led to believe that Oscar Pistorius ever considered or even thought of murdering Reeve. The defense ordered a Psychiatric examination of Pistorius to prove that he is absolutely emotionally damaged by his actions and the events that followed (“Oscar Pistorius”). It was not an easy battle for either side of the courtroom. The prosecution made several valid and logical points that

On the 21st of October 2014, at 10:30 am, Judge Thokozile Masipa in the high court of Pretoria, gave Pistorius the verdict of his case. The prosecution wanted maximum for murder, which could possible be a life sentence but they were willing to take as much as they could get. Judge Masipa ruled on the case and gave Pistorius six years for culpable homicide, also known in the United States as, manslaughter. This means that he unintentional but unlawfully killed Reeva. Judge Masipa said, Pistorius was “a fallen hero, who has lost his career, and been ruined financially. He cannot be at peace” (Burke). The evidence presented convinced Judge Thokozile Masipa that Pistorius would never kill again and never meant to kill Reeva in the first place. The judge stressed that the “court should not be swayed by public opinion but punishment must also reflect seriousness of the offense” (Burke). Unlike many across the world, the judge did her best to see Pistorius as just the regular man and ensured him a fair trial. She stated that the court truly believed that the “prosecutors failed to prove he showed ‘intent’ to kill” (Patel). This ruling was a relief for Pistorius and his family and after the six month trial, to them it felt as if the judgement of the world was no longer upon them (Burke). After the sentencing, Pistorius was sent to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services prison in