>>A reasonable confrontation with a common sense focus on whether or not there was a danger aspect to anyone might have been better<<
And, seriously, how would the people know the substance was harmless? Testing would need to be done. . .unless you can tell me what else can be done reasonably to ensure the substance was not a threat --- a threat that was clearly stated in the note.
Of course! No problem there.
What wasn't needed was the gathering of forces over a significant time span...the selection of lawyers...picking the jury....arrangement of court activities...the trial itself............all costing a small fortune. and all completely stupid.... which the jury was quick to grasp.
It could have been established within a few days that the material was bubblegum, that there was no criminal record....that her neighbors were in support....etc.
Bottom line: The establishment was clearly out of control.....another Amuralt case or Salem witch hunt.