Louise Woodward: The Second Time Around

Written by Chris Uhl
The information contained herein is only to inform the public and does not create an attorney client relationship with the reader. You should always consult an attorney when seeking legal advice.

Even though the young British nanny has gone home to England, the press and the public are still fascinated by the story. What is the fascination? Why are people interested? Is the news media reporting what the public wants to see and hear? Or is the news media creating what the public wants to see and hear?

Why is everyone so fascinated by Louise Woodward? She is a convicted murderer. She has killed a young child. No matter what the sentence, no matter what degree of murder she has been charged with (1st, 2nd, or manslaughter) she is convicted and guilty. The case has been decided, appealed and completed. She is guilty of killing a young child left in her care.

What is the attraction? The nanny has gone home and the American TV cameras have followed. When will the story end? Will she be able to return to a normal life of a young twenty-one year old woman, I doubt it. I doubt very much if the story will ever end. The media knows this story will sell newspapers, magazines, and television commercials. The media will follow this story until it is a story no more. Much like it did with the Charles Stuart saga.

The British are much less forgiving of convicted criminals than Americans. The British reaction seems rather harsh at her return. Some of the individuals who donated to her fund are becoming disbelievers in Louise Woodward. This is all ascertained from the television news media and the reports from the British newspapers. Who are you to believe? Does Louise Woodward have a lot of support? Or has she become Britain’s O.J. Simpson?

I do not wish to promote racism but if Louise Woodward was not an au pair and she was some poor minority that was convicted, she would still be in jail. The sentence and the charge would never have been reduced. This is just another example of the American legal system at its best. The more you can pay the better the justice. Luckily for the British au pair, both the agency and her supporters paid her legal bill.

As a result of the incident of Louise Woodward, the legislature is now trying to enact laws to require training of an individual that cares for children. This is a good idea, but just a little bit too late. Even if it saves one child, it will be well worth the effort. Everyone should be educated about the Shaking Baby Syndrome. Parents should become more involved in their child’s daycare. They should know the individuals who watch their children. They should look for signs in their own child each and everyday. Granted, a young infant is not going to be able to speak up. But a toddler will exhibit signs of rough treatment or abuse. Parents should then take action. No matter how many laws are passed, no matter how many rules are put into place, ultimately it is up to the parents.

This is not to blame the Eappens, even though a lot of people have tried. Louise Woodward on the BBC has even tried to blame the Eappens. The blame in this case goes to one person only: Louise Woodward. No one should ever lose sight of that fact.

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