Three lessons
1). A pretty face is more news worthy then a ugly one.
2). Many Aussies are ignorant of legal process let alone alternates to our system.
3). 2GB's listeners are racist. http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s1369667.htm

Steven Freeland focuses on pertinent and significant aspects of this case.
Without pre-empting the decision of her judges - Corby is but one accused among many - the others - have not received one tenth the media interest and consequent emotional hyperbole that she has.

Importantly - whatever the uninformed opinions of people who have not listened to the evidence and facts of the case might be (regardless of their ability to tune in to channel nine and watch the three ring circus and prejudicial carnival of "pop-legals" and noting that most people, myself included, know, as kenny rightly points out, little beyond the superficial physical attributes of the accused), we are NOT the ones burdened with making the decision. That is up to the processes of the Indonesian courts. That is for them to decide and us to accept - remembering - no australian would ever accept any Indonesian demand to direct the processes of Australian judiciary.

The plight of Shappele Corby really does bring the self haters out of the closet. I watched media watch and laughed when it was suggested that people who think Corby is innocent are racist. Juxtaposing the cases of the Bali nine and Corby I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, there are many of her own countrymen who are using her plight to express a contempt for their own culture, and an admiration of the 'other' (non-white people!).

I think both Kenny and Col are spot on in this case. I find Corby's face very appealing and my gut says she's innocent, however I am not privy to all the evidence only the hyperbole by our media. I deliberately avoided channel nine.

I hope the death penalty has receded, I also hope that Corby can complete her sentence here in Australia. There are many others in Corby's situation, but I guess they don't hold the same media 'appeal'.

Right from the time the three judges were appointed, my gut feeling was that this court case would end in conviction. We had three judges who all had stated they had never acquitted an accused person on drug charges. Now we know that leopards do not change their spots and that placed in their position there was 'face' to save. Although I am one of Schapelles supporters (look at http://www.myesk.ws ), at no stage did think a miracle would occur prior to an appeal. Within 4 hours after conviction, Minister Downer has announced the supplying of two QC's probono and expenses for other legal needs. This tells me that the government was also waiting until the farce of the original trial was over before acting in a right and proper manner. Let's hope that the QC's and Minister Downer can exercise some muscle in making sure that judges who have shown some compassion and understanding are apointed to the next trial. Lets us also hope that the judge's ruling today does automatically mean destroying the evidence existing prior to todays ruling. Keep up the spirits, Schapelle. we are there to help you.

I think Davo's post proves the racist point.