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A few minutes ago the verdict of American student Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito were found guilty by an Italian jury for the November 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher. The evidence at the crime scene – if given to an American jury – would more than likely not lead to the same verdict which has the possibility of causing backlash against Italy. Is the European culture, especially for Italy, regarding the charging of crimes and slander treated that much different from America?

I feel terrible for the Kercher family for their loss of Meredith Kercher; however, my argument is more on how American’s are going to take this based on our judicial system. The media has labeled her pretty viciously as she was known as “Foxy Knoxy” or “A devil with an angel’s face”. Fair? Probably not but this labeling is almost common now with the media.

In the American court system, we are familiar with “absolute truth” being the only method to give an appropriate verdict. In the Amanda Knox verdict, the judicial system worked on “beyond reasonable doubt” which meant that the jurors just had to be convinced by the logic brought forth by the prosecutors. In my opinion, this will be looked down upon by most Americans which makes me wonder on the backlash Italy might see. Are we going to see less Americans traveling to Italy? Loss faith in the Italian police and judicial systems? If this does happen, will it be a bit cheaper to visit Italy because of the weakened demand from American tourists?

What are your thoughts regarding the verdict and will it have any impact on you traveling to Italy in the short or long term future?