I haven’t read Legal Insurrection’s post, but I agree with what you wrote. The low key, almost casual, almost bumbling, presentation by both sides is puzzling to me. This is a murder trial in front of a jury. This is partly what
I meant by wondering if a difference in culture might account for this. Both sides must know their juries, but in my practice you do not let opportunities pass without exploiting them as dramatically as you can, even in a bench trial, much less before a jury.
Might I suggest that Kenosha is a small town that is likely not home to the sharpest litigants? Both sides are probably totally unprepared for the scope and magnitude of what landed on their doorstep on that fateful day. Flying by the seat of their pants comes to mind as I think this over.