Justice: 1, Smarmy weasels: 0

In a verdict that I found surprising, Scott Peterson was charged with two counts of murder. I find it surprising not because I believe he's innocent; rather, I thought that the chicanery that Mark Geragos employed might have fooled the jury. It didn't. We can all be thankful for the clear-headed jury that ignored the circus stunts of that smarmy little weasel Geragos and delivered a guilty verdict. C'mon, Mark, did you really think that parking a boat a few blocks from the courthouse would have any effect other than creating an impromptu shrine for Laci Peterson and her unborn son? Did you really think that the tales you spun of a "burglar or homeless man" framing Scott would sway anyone? I'm surprised you didn't suggest a one-armed man.

I'm pretty sure that Peterson will get life in prison. I'm sure he won't stand up and beg for mercy (thereby admitting that he commited the murders), but I'm still pretty sure that in deference to the fact that there were no witnesses the jury will spare his life. I know that Laci's family won't get their daughter and grandson back, but I hope that the verdict delivered yesterday can give them some sort of peace.

Let's hope that the inevitable appeal results in the convictions standing.