Amanda Knox was freed after serving years in an italian prison for the murder of her roommate. Knox, was originally convicted at trial and sentenced to serve 28 years, appealed her case in an attempt to overturn the verdict. The Italian legal system allows for a new trial of sorts on appeal, and the blended judge and jury panel can hear new evidence and argument in the case.
On October 3rd, 2011 Knox delivered her final statement to the panel, pleading for her freedom, and stating that her life was being taken from her for something that she did not do. After hours of deliberation, the panel returned a verdict of not guilty on all of the serious charges, and affirmed her conviction of defamation against her former employers.
Knox was freed that day and returned to her home in Seattle, Washington. She was in Italy on a one year program to study at a university there.
Among the problems in the prosecutor's case was the fact that the murder weapon was never found. The DNA on a knife found at a co-defendant's home could not be linked to the victim, Meridith Kercher. Kerchner's blood stained bra clasp was sought to be used as evidence but it had laid on the floor in her room so long that it was useless. No DNA from Knox was found in the room where Kerchner was killed. There were no witnesses that could place Knox at the scene.
The evidence was so weak, in fact, it places some doubt on the ability of the Italian criminal justice system to find the truth and determine guilt. The later acquittal and release of Knox shows there is some mechanism in place to review bad convictions, but the unfamiliarity and seeming capriciousness of the justice system in Italy may put off people who think of traveling or living there.