My last trial as a prosecutor in the Family Violence Bureau has stayed with me like a shadow. The defendant faced charges of aggravated assault—domestic violence through strangulation. Anyone who has handled one of these cases knows what I knew back then: strangulation is attempted homicide in slow motion. When you squeeze someone’s throat and cut off their breathing, you flirt with the line between life and death.

The victim’s bruises were clearly visible across her neck—undeniable. Still, the jury found him not guilty. Not necessarily because they believed he was innocent, but because they disliked the police officer’s behavior. They didn’t trust his approach.

And the man who wrapped his hands around another person’s airway walked out of the courtroom.

For over a decade, I have carried that verdict with me. I believed in our justice system—trial by peers, proof beyond a reasonable doubt. But that case uncovered a truth I wish I hadn’t discovered: justice can fail when attention shifts away from the victim. Memories can be distorted. Focus can be diverted.........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)