In the realm of criminal justice, common law principles dictate that a defendant’s culpability should not be influenced by sympathy, aiming instead for objectivity in delivering justice. However, a concept known as jury nullification presents an intriguing exception. This legal principle permits a jury to deliver a verdict of not guilty, even in the presence of concrete evidence of guilt, if they feel that convicting the defendant would contradict justice or public sentiment. A notable example of this can be examined through the character of Tomura Shigaraki from the acclaimed series My Hero Academia.
Shigaraki’s Troubling Background: A Path to Villainy
Exploitation of a Sensitive Psyche
Villains come in various shapes and motivations, often defined by their experiences and the society surrounding them. Take All For One, whose malevolent ambitions and innate evilness set him apart; his Quirk allows him to absorb and wield the powers of others for personal gain. In stark contrast, Shigaraki embodies a tragic archetype—a once-innocent child transformed into a villain. His transformation was neither preordained nor inevitable but rather the consequence of profound manipulation and a traumatic upbringing.
Shigaraki’s vulnerability made him an ideal target for exploitation. Following the accidental slaughter of his family due to his unsettling Decay Quirk, he became a victim of profound trauma. Society’s swift denouncement branded him as “dangerous,” leaving him more isolated and desperate for connection. When All For One discovered Shigaraki, he saw an opportunity to mold a powerful ally, arguing that pursuing crime might be a more commendable pursuit than striving for the collective welfare.
Is Shigaraki a True Villain or a Product of His Environment?
Understanding Shigaraki’s Inner Turmoil
Jury nullification often arises from a place of empathy towards a defendant, and in Shigaraki’s case, this sentiment is especially poignant. His life story reveals a background riddled with abuse, rejection, and traumatic loss, culminating in the tragic accidental death of his family at the hands of his own abilities. This catastrophic event rendered Shigaraki overwhelmed with guilt, devoid of emotional support, and left him in a state of profound despair as a child.
Given such a tumultuous start, one can hardly blame Shigaraki for developing a disdain for the world around him. This bitterness is accentuated by his lack of guidance and supportive figures, with All For One stepping in to fulfill the role of a twisted father figure. He cultivated Shigaraki’s feelings of resentment and distrust towards society, fostering a narrative where villainy seemed the only pathway forward.
While acknowledging Shigaraki’s sins is essential, it’s critical to understand that he was deprived of the chance to grow into someone capable of positive change. In a universe like that of My Hero Academia, where superpowers define social dynamics, Shigaraki’s emergence as a villain can be seen not just as a failure of individual choice, but as a tragic confluence of circumstance and influence.