As Bill noted earlier today, Officer Caesar Goodson was acquitted today of charges arising out of the death of Freddie Gray. Because Goodson chose to waive a jury trial and have his case decided by the judge, we have a full explanation of the verdict. The transcript is here.
The case is State v. Goodson, Circuit Court for Baltimore City, No. 115141032.
The case is State v. Goodson, Circuit Court for Baltimore City, No. 115141032.
Did the prosecution have the right to a jury trial? If so, I don't see any good reason for waiving that right.
The worst case scenario with a jury would probably have been a hung jury. And they may have secured a conviction on a lesser.
In light of the unjustified frenzy whipped up by the State's Attorney, I don't believe 12 jurors would have acquitted the officer on all counts.
Whether the defendant can unilaterally waive jury trial or whether the prosecution has a say in the matter varies by jurisdiction.
Evidently in Maryland the choice is the defendant's alone. See Rule 4-246(a).