He has every right to refuse to make a statement and hire an attorney. Just as you do.
As a law enforcement officer, Mehserle's standard of duty and care to the public is of a higher standard than you or I. During that duty a gentleman was killed. In accidental shootings or even those that require the use deadly force, I'd be willing to bet money 9/10 officers make statements in those situations, if not al of them, because they have nothing to hide. We aren't talking a normal person here, we are talking about someone appointed to protect and serve us normal people. And your right if I am guilty of a crime I am being accused of committing, I am asking for an attorney.
The judge didn't overlook any facts.
Yes he did. He should have compared Mehserle's actions to that of others in his proffession to determine if in fact Mehserle's sentencing should be enhanced for his evasive and guilty actions in regards to this shooting. When you are sentenced, judges weigh all these things and can be pretty brutal in their courtroom speeches.
This is standard protocol and everyone does the same thing. I would as well.
For the guilty, yes you are right. For someone appointed to serve and protect, no it isn't.
I know he got away with murder, I'm not denying that.
Yes he did. But to think he was on that platform for 10+ minutes after the shooting, was seen talking to his colleagues, and did not mention one thing about the shooting is an insult to society.
There is a right way to do something, and a wrong way. I am just stating he did it the right way and he won his case long before the sentencing.
Yeah, the right way is to become a cop.
Oscar Grant may have very well deserved to go to jail that night, but not shot in the back regardless how it is being spun.