" A reasonable determination under the circumstances. "

" Well it's only right for them to move it. Now let's just hope they find Mehserle Not Guilty of this absurd charge of murder. "

" Okay, I realize my original one word comment of "Duh." may not have been constructive, but I would have been surprised if the judge did not grant a change of venue... "

" Glad to hear the courts haven't been swayed by the outrage of the protestors surrounding this case. "

" That's good. Now Mehserle can get the same fair trial for his mistake that Oscar Grant did. "

" Well, let's not all get carried away and call the charge "absurd" or say "duh."

It was a prudent move. It eliminates yet another basis that may be claimed for mistrial, or appeal (regardless of the outcome) after trial. "

" Right decision!
Let's move onto the trial and see what justice brings!!!!

Right! "

" a reasonable action i think "

" The trial is scheduled to begin Nov 2, which is 2 weeks from now. The new location of the trial will be "Determined over the next few weeks" How does that time frame work ? "

" Feasor -- my "duh" was in response to the change of venue... I'll keep my thoughts on the actual charges to myself. "

" The only problem is that the same ignorant judge that ruled Mehserle should face the murder charge will be going wherever the trial goes to preside. "

" I don't have really strong feelings about this case, but it was probably wise to move it.

I am going to be interested to see how the law deals with it.
As I understand it, if you kill someone it is called murder, if you kill them 'accidently' it is called manslaughter. I know hairs do get split on it, but those are the basics.

However, it does seem that once you put on a law enforcement uniform, you can truly sidestep any kind of murder charges while on duty, no matter what the circumstances, or serious consequences for any fault in professional judgement. This is not in line with other professions where you are held accountable for truly bad decisions or actions.

I know it will be said that a law officer should not have to hesitate and think in a 'dangerous or threatening' moment, but maybe they should stop and think for a moment. I do feel they kill too many people. Trigger happy does come to mind.

I am convinced that without the phone camera evidence, Mehserle would simply be on paid administrative leave while it all got 'sorted out.'

It's gonna be interesting. "

" Baraki - thanks for the clarification; didn't mean to conflate your comment with someone else's.

But - as stated in the article - venue changes are rare. It's a pretty high burden. So there are many instances where a venue change may appear obvious, but it's not granted.

In the end, though, this is a reasonable ruling. "