La Cañada Students Support Convicting Derek Chauvin for His Involvement in Floyd’s Death

Last Wednesday, The Outspoken Oppa polled 196 people that weighed in on the criminal trial against Derek Chauvin. The poll first laid out the basic facts of the case. The poll said, “Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is facing three charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. All of which is connected with his involvement in George Floyd’s death. Today was the second day of the trial. “

The poll asked, “Should Chauvin be convicted of all three criminal charges?” 83% said yes, while 17% said no. Alongside receiving one of the most responses, the poll is also the one of the most widely agreed upon poll in the website’s history.

The vast majority of the surveyed La Cañada Students said they want Chauvin convicted, which means he is proven guilty in a court of law. One person who voted yes said she believed that the case will be a “testimony to the racial tensions in America.” Another student said something similar, “I believe convicting Chauvin will set an unequivocal and ethical standard for police officers arresting Black people in the future.” Other students, those previously on the Mock Trial team, said Chauvin’s actions met the legal statutes for all three criminal charges.

When asked, one of the people who voted no said he believes the prosecution may not meet the legal statutes for second-degree unintentional murder. He cited an extremely high burden of proof on the prosecution to prove Chauvin killed Floyd while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense. This person believes, however, there is a strong case for the prosecution to convict Chauvin on the other two criminal charges.

Today was Day 5 of the trial against Derek Chauvin. According to the New York Times, the longest-serving Minneapolis Police officer says Chauvin violated police policy. Lt. Richard Zimmerman said that Chauvin’s actions in arresting George Floyd were “totally unnecessary.”

All cited opinions about the trial are anonymous at the request of the people being quoted.

The Outspoken Oppa will continue to report on any relevant information to the trial as it relates to La Cañada.