[HPforGrownups] Re: What would a successful AK mean?/One interesting perspective

[Kathryn Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 142898

lupinlore wrote:
  snip
> In any case, given what we know about what happened on the tower (as
> opposed to what has been theorized about it), his belief was that
> conviction probability would be essentially 100%, and in fact expressed
> the belief that no experienced defense lawyer would even try to mount a
> defense on the available evidence (always assuming their isn't some
> twist like a fake AK waiting to be sprung) and would almost certainly
> plea-bargain to avoid a death penalty, which would be essentially
> guaranteed if a conviction was handed down by a military tribunal.

KJ writes:
    Speaking as a former police constable, I would have to say that this 
whole post is a pretty accurate statement of affairs. The fact of 
Snape's guilt is a given. The only thing that could prevent that is if 
Dumbledore arrived well and healthy at his trial, to testify that it was 
all a fraud. I, personally, do not think that is what will happen, and 
there was no one who could testify to any mitigating factors.

    No defense attorney in his right mind would even bring up the UV 
because it would quite handily prove the premedition required for a 
charge of capital murder. While there is allowance made under Canadian 
law for the commission of an offense as a result of threat of immediate 
death, this would not be a good defense for Snape. He not only 
volunteered to take the vow, he choreographed it.

    One of the reasons for being completely dumb-struck at this scene in 
the tower is that I understood the fact of Snape's guilt immediately and 
what that decision had just cost him. I believe that Snape is DD's man 
all the way and also that DD badgered, cajoled, and begged him to take 
the final step should it become necessary. If Snape had been OFH until 
that point, he was now forced to make a decision. As Snape had such a 
need for recognition and respect as a result of his childhood, I think 
that he would have cheerfully chosen death for himself over the 
dishonour to himself and his family (assuming he has one) rather than 
obey DD's last request. I couldn't believe that JKR had done it to him. 
Bad enough that she made him ugly, greasy, and nasty, now she removes 
any chance of redemption other than at the cost of his life. I'm sorry, 
but I find that I can live without Sirius, the loss of Dumbledore was 
quite bearable, and I'm quite looking forward to the demise of Volemort, 
even at the expense of Harry. I really feel sorry for Snape.:)
KJ