William Ostrum 
Dec. 25, 1994 
William J. Ostrum, 63, Of Lower Demunds Road, Dallas, Died Sunday In 
Wilkes-barre General Hospital.

Sunday, December 25, 1994 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 11B 





Justice depends on knowledgeable jurors, reponsible media &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A recent editorial in The Times Leader addressing the issue of prospective
jurors not understanding the basic principles of our justice system (Dec.3) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; has prompted me to write this letterI recently had the unfortunate
opportunity to experience this problem firsthand. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A family member found himself unjustly accused in a court of law, and an
obviously misled jury found this innocent man guilty of a crime he did not
commit. The facts were there to prove him innocent, but the jury obviously did
not understand the law. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The Times Leader has identified a serious problem. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Perhaps this newspaper can assist in educating the public about the basic
principles upon which our justice system is based. A series of articles
explaining basic concepts such as "presumed innocence," and "prosecution's
burden of proof" and "guilt beyond a reasonable doubt" may be in order. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In addition, the media can help keep the public from becoming misinformed
about a particular case by keeping their individual opinion on the editorial
page. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The reports that are written to keep the public abreast of the cases should
contain only the facts which should be presented in an unbiased manner. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The media should not be a detriment to a defendant. It should make sure
that the public and, therefore, prospective jurors, are not prejudiced against
a defendant. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 George N. Snyder &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Mountaintop &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Justice Depends On Knowledgeable Jurors, Reponsible Media 
A Recent Editorial In The Times Leader Addressing The Issue Of Prospective 
Jurors Not Understanding The Basic Principles Of Our Justice System (dec.3) 
Has Prompted Me To Write This Letter.

Justice Depends On Knowledgeable Jurors, Reponsible Media A Recent Editorial In The Times Leader Addressing The Issue Of Prospective Jurors Not Understanding The Basic Principles Of Our Justice System (dec.3) Has Prompted Me To Write This Letter.