But you raise a point I had to consider. I believe in common law. I believe that if the jury wants someone to go free, then that person should go free. That's more important than any law on the books. I'm happier with this outcome now.
So, how do you feel about OJ Simpson’s verdict in his murder trial?
You're just a closet "situational morality" liberal. No objective, consistent law for you! No sir! Just pick 12 random people and declare the outcome to be "Justice"!
Pffft.
I'll stick with the Constitution and the rule of law, personally.
If I were a judge and saw that a jury had blatantly ignored the law, I'd find them all in contempt and throw them in jail.
Bear in mind that nobody decided this man's actions were acceptable. He plead guilty to inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm, and was sentenced to time served - the eight months he spent in prison awaiting trial. As a person convicted of assaulting a child, he will never teach again.
The trial was about whether or not he was guilty of the more serious charges of inflicting GBH with intent, and attempted murder. The jury decided there was no intent (something both those charges require).