I’ve been a big fan of discovery channel for some time, but now there’s a new reason to watch.  Starting August 13, a new series will begin called Guilty or Innocent?  The description of the series is

No matter how precise the U.S. legal system is, verdicts often rely on circumstantial evidence or “reasonable doubt.” Prosecutors and defense attorneys may plead their case to the best of their abilities and jurors may use their keenest judgment in formulating a verdict, but it remains an imperfect system. Guilty or Innocent? presents a breakthrough series that looks at real-life criminal investigations in which the public still questions a criminal’s guilt or innocence. From O.J. Simpson to Michael Jackson, for many, the question lingers: are they Guilty or Innocent?

Granted, the opening line was written by someone who lacks the slightest clue what they are talking about.  Verdicts often rely on “circumstantial evidence or ‘reasonable doubt’ ?”  Well, yes, you nailed that one, but that’s the problem with letting the marketing department create the promo material.

More to the point is the assertion that “it remains an imperfect system.”  Well, now we’re talking.  I have no expectation that this is going to be a one way street, ripping apart lying cops and showing how the innocent are ground up like raw meat in the justice system grinder.  No doubt the OJ reference is to show that guilty walk free.
But if this series serves to show that the system is fallible, it forces people to think just a little harder than they ordinarily do, and thinking is a good thing (provided no one sprains anything).    In any event, I’ve watched a number of the series on Discovery Channel and found them to be well made, averse to sensationalism and intelligent. 

One final point on this series.  I was turned on to Discovery Channel.  My son turned me onto it, and watches it (on his own) with some frequency.  Thus, we have one more show, and this time it’s not even a cartoon, that will frame the minds of kids to have doubts about the infallibility of the criminal justice system.