Judge instructs jury before they begin deliberations in Rutgers spycam trial

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Former Rutgers student Dharun Ravi looks on as defense attorney Steven Altman delivers his summation during his trial at the Middlesex County Courthouse in New Brunswick, N.J. on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

/ AP Photo/The Star-Ledger, John O'Boyle, Pool

(CBS/AP) NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Jurors are set to begin their deliberations Wednesday in the trial of Dharun Ravi, the former Rugters University student accused of using a webcam to spy on his roommate Tyler Clementi's intimate encounter with another man.

Pictures: Tyler Clementi
Pictures: Rutgers Spycam Trial

The defense and prosecution wrapped up their closing arguments Tuesday. It will be up to the jury to decide whether Ravi is guilty of the 15 crimes with which he is charged, the most serious charge being bias intimidation.

On Wednesday morning, Judge Glenn Berman instructed the jury on the law and the relevant statutes in the case.

In his closing statement, defense attorney Steven Altman said his client had acted like a teenager, not a criminal.

"He hasn't lived long enough to have any experience with homosexuality or gays. He doesn't know anything about it. He just graduated high school," Altman said.

Prosecutors argued in their closing statement that Ravi's actions were indeed motivated by his dislike for gay people.

"He was bothered by Tyler Clementi's sexual orientation," attorney Julie McClure said.

In Sept. 2010, Clementi took a train to New York and committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge, just days after the alleged spying.

If convicted on all counts, Ravi could be sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Complete coverage of Tyler Clementi and the Dharun Ravi trial on Crimesider

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by LeslieDF March 14, 2012 11:42 AM EDT: "He hasn't lived long enough to have any experience with homosexuality or gays. He doesn't know anything about it. (? LOL) He just graduated high school"

A "gay-panic" defense was an excuse after the Dan White/Harvey Milk trial over 30 years ago. It was an excuse then. It's a hopelessly, pathetic, defense now.

A high school graduate is expected to read, write, speak and act like an adult. When you can serve in the military, drive a car, sign a contract, buy a home or any of the other things that signify adulthood, then you are responsible for your actions - all of your actions, all of the time.

Deportation, in lieu of hanging around in prison here for 10 years learning to grow up at taxpayer expense.; Reply to this comment