Conscience

It appears Becky Rettig has one -- even if she is a racist. From the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead-

A juror in an emotionally charged trial claims she voted to convict Mevludin Hidanovic for a fight at the Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo because of previous experiences with Bosnians.Becky Rettig, 36, of West Fargo said she regretted her vote hours after a Cass County jury convicted Hidanovic for engaging in a June 24 riot, and told his lawyer about it when he visited the bar where she works.

Mr. Hidanovic was sentenced to 18 months in jail (I think he may face deportation as well). I know a guy involved in the fight (it was reported that there were 20 to 30 people there) and it seems it was about nothing; male macho bullshit. Hidanovic has said from the beginning he is innocent.

Here are some remarks that appear in Rettig's affidavit-

"I used my own experiences with ethnic groups, specifically Bosnians and/or Gypsies, to influence the jury."

"I told the jury that I had personal experience with Bosnians and that they stole from my business and in the same experience lied to me regarding the theft and their conduct. Even though I had never met Mr. Hidanovic, or any of the witnesses, Mr. Hidanovic and the witnesses' race was discussed in a negative way."

"I interjected into the deliberations the concept that if Mr. Hidanovic wasn't guilty of this crime he was guilty of something else."

APRIL 6th UPDATE: Mr. Hidanovic was not granted a new trial. I am no legal scholar, but I would think that if the jury is even talking about the defendant's race (6 jurors admitted they were) it is enough to call into question the fairness of the trial. Isn't the right to a fair trial is guaranteed? Apparently not in Fargo, North Dakota.