The conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd is a historic moment in American politics.
Footage of Floyd’s excruciating death as the officer knelt on his neck was recorded, seen around the world and sparked civil rights protests in the US and beyond.
Chauvin, found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter, faces decades in prison. But this judgment is about more than symbolism. George Floyd’s life was unlawfully taken from him and the perpetrator will now face justice.
But it can only be one step on the path to true equality. The decision came on the same day that another person of colour — a 16-year-old girl from Ohio, identified as Ma’Khia Bryant — was shot and killed by a police officer. She had reportedly been carrying a knife.
Murder prosecutions against US law enforcement are rare. Jurist sympathies often lie with officers acting ‘in the heat of the moment’. Chauvin’s actions were recorded in broad daylight.
Yet it still took overwhelming evidence to deliver a conviction. Body cameras are in operation by most major police departments in the US, but it is notable that it was video evidence from bystanders and security cameras, not police footage, which did so much to secure conviction.
This ruling is hugely welcome because accountability is critical. But true justice will require fundamental change within the US judicial system, from the police to the courts.
