[lex24]

I neither said nor suggested that the decision to not indite exonerates Watson civilly or for that matter morally.  I did correct your legal analysis.  The standard is “ probable cause” which is a significantly easier standard to meet than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

I think we are talking past each other here. The point I was attempting to make was that if the prosecutors don't think they can prove the case "beyond a reasonable doubt", they aren't going to push hard for an indictment, even if they do have "probable cause". In many cases, getting an indictment is an significant aid to the investigation that can lead to more evidence. However, if the prosecutors are pretty sure their witnesses aren't going to be convincing to a jury, they may elect not to proceed. Obviously that only makes sense if there is little hope of further investigation or the indictment leading to more or better evidence.

Yes, but.  In this situation the DA brought 9 charges to the Grand Jury. So, the prosecutor did proceed. The Grand Jury didn’t issue the bills.  And they aren’t using a “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard. They are using a “probable cause” standard.  Which is not particularly difficult to meet.  

Again, it doesn’t exonerate Watson civilly or morally.

[lex24]

I neither said nor suggested that the decision to not indite exonerates Watson civilly or for that matter morally.  I did correct your legal analysis.  The standard is “ probable cause” which is a significantly easier standard to meet than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

I think we are talking past each other here. The point I was attempting to make was that if the prosecutors don't think they can prove the case "beyond a reasonable doubt", they aren't going to push hard for an indictment, even if they do have "probable cause". In many cases, getting an indictment is an significant aid to the investigation that can lead to more evidence. However, if the prosecutors are pretty sure their witnesses aren't going to be convincing to a jury, they may elect not to proceed. Obviously that only makes sense if there is little hope of further investigation or the indictment leading to more or better evidence.

Yes, but.  In this situation the DA brought 9 charges to the Grand Jury. So, the prosecutor did proceed. The Grand Jury didn’t issue the bills.  And they aren’t using a “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard. They are using a “probable cause” standard.  Which is not particularly difficult to meet.  

Again, it doesn’t exonerate Watson civilly or morally.