After 20 months in the spotlight as, perhaps, the most famous athlete's murder trial since the O.J. Simpson case, Oscar Pistorius could avoid jail time.
Just like Simpson.
Reeva Steenkamp flushed the toiled just prior to being shot through the door by Oscar Pistorius
Judge Thokozile Masipa is scheduled to sentence Pistorius on Monday on a culpable homicide charge in the shooting of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the early morning hours of Valentine's Day, 2013. Pistorius, who claims he thought Steenkamp was in intruder, fired four shots into their bathroom door, killing her.
Masipa found Pistorius not guilty of murder, even though she did not believe he was a credible witness.
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Media reports indicate that experts are divided on whether Pistorius will receive jail time over the shooting.
The Times of South Africa is reporting that legal experts believe Pistorius will not serve a minute in jail.
"South Africa has moved away from the sentencing philosophy of 'an eye for an eye' to a more rehabilitative approach," said Martin Hood, a criminal law expert. "The theory behind this is that punishment should be such that an offender does not commit the crime again. He must be taught why his conduct was wrong and understand the consequences."
Hood added that Masipa would take into account Pistorius' personal circumstances, including his financial losses, physical disabilities and medical requirements before determining his sentence.
"Pistorius has only been convicted of a crime of negligence," Hood said. "The law treats a person who's been found negligent very differently to someone who's done something (wrong) intentionally. Because of this ... he will probably be punished relatively leniently."
Professor Kelly Phelps of the University of Cape Town's School of Law added that a prison sentence would be considered extreme.
"The way the public views a prison sentence compared to the way the courts view it is different.
"Any time spent in prison has an overwhelming effect on a person's life, not just in terms of his experience in prison but also afterwards, such as hindering the ability to find work."
A legal expert, who wished to remain anonymous for ethical reasons, told the Pretoria News that reports that Pistorius receiving a maximum sentence of 15 years are wrong. No minimum or maximum guidelines exist. The sentence is entirely within the discretion of Masipa.
Still, that expert had a length of time in mind.
"There are guidelines in our law pertaining to punishment for culpable homicide," the expert said, "but it all depends on the degree of negligence. In my view, this case was serious. I would think a sentence of 10 years or more is appropriate, but it is entirely up to the judge."
How much time do you think Oscar Pistorius should receive for his culpable homicide charge? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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