Whatever one thinks of the sentence, can we agree that it is disturbing to see the jury list the following as mitigating factors in its decision not to sentence the defendant to death?

— Nine jurors found that the defendant’s unstable early childhood and dysfunctional family resulted in his being placed in orphanages and having a home life without structure and emotional and financial support, eventually resulting in his leaving home due to his hostile relationship with his mother.

— Nine jurors found the defendant’s father had a violent temper and physically and emotionally abused his family.

— Three jurors found that the defendant was subject to racism as a youngster because of his Moroccan background, which affected him deeply.

Imagine what sad stories Mohammed Atta would have come up with about himself, if he were in the dock.