George Floyd Case Verdict: Guilty on All Charges

On Tuesday, April 20th, 2021, the verdict in the George Floyd case was announced and the jury had decided that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was guilty of all four charges- second- and third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder. This verdict has been seen as a “victory for justice” around the world, and many people have expressed relief that the outcome of this case has served as a wake-up call for police departments and law enforcement across the United States.

Consequences of the Verdict

The consequences of the George Floyd case verdict are far-reaching, as it affects all people within the criminal justice system who have experienced racism or police brutality. The result of the case may push current initiatives forward, advocating for reform in how law enforcement interacts with communities of color, and how they train officers. Additionally, new legislation is being proposed around the country in hopes of backing those initiatives.

In Minneapolis, the site of the incident at the center of this case, the police department has taken drastic steps to rebuild trust with the community and to increase police accountability. While the changes may not be easy and tangible right away, the City of Minneapolis, and all cities across the US, now have a clearer understanding of the trust that needs to be established and earned in order to better serve their citizens.

The Effects of the Verdict

The plethora of emotions that have been brought about by the guilty verdict has brought immense relief to those who have been hurt by police brutality and the effects it has left behind. While the next steps for criminal justice reform are still unclear, many have claimed that this is an important first step in reforming the broken systems that have been working against people of color for so long.

Although this case has come to a close and many individuals have found a sense of closure, it’s important to recognize that the conversation should not end here. It is vital that society continues to push for criminal justice reform, the end of systemic racism, and restorative forms of justice.

Conclusion

The jury’s decision to convict Derek Chauvin of second- and third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder, has been seen as a huge victory for the Black Lives Matter movement. While there is still much to be done to fix the criminal justice system, the George Floyd case was a major milestone in the fight against police brutality nationwide.