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Mike, it’s up to the judge to decide the punishment. If the jury in November 1925 had known about his previous convictions then what difference would that have made to his punishment? His was still found guilty of the new crime, and the judge punished him for it. I agree that the last murder could have been prevented but that was the judges responsibilty not the jurys.

Also, think of how many guilty men will walk free when their lawyers argue…

True Tigerlilly, it could be a load of rubbish. Although, according to press reports he was apparently revealing his true identity to friends before his arrest so I would be very suprised if the truth didn’t get out eventually. I hope its not true because his lawyer will have a field day.

Olly: If guilty then I would feel a lot better if he never sets foot outside a prison again. Considering the amount of psychological therapy he must of received…

It seems to me that there are two seperate arguments here (not counting Agi and Steve’s usual bickering, obviously).

Firstly, should they have been released from prison?

Secondly, should Venebles’ past be known to the jury?

The first debate: If the above allegations are true then it would appear that a HUGE mistake has been made. If they’re not true then only time will tell if it was the correct decision.

On the second issue: The jury…

That’s how the law works. You are innocent until proven guilty of that specific crime.

The jury should decide on his guilt without knowledge of his past. Otherwise how can it be a fair trial?

I have no problem with the judge being fully aware of the past and taking that into consideration when sentencing. It should play no part in the jury’s decision making process though.

Mike, the reason you don’t have those urges is because you were raised to know right from wrong.

I think its something we take for granted. We judge all others by our own standards but its not always as simple as that. Yes the crime was horrific, and I think everyone was equally appauled, but let’s consider how the mind of a 10 year old can justify that sort of behaviour. It indicates a very abnormal childhood. If the killers have spent the…