People are often more inclined to accept a lesser evil than to entertain the possibility of pure innocence. This tendency becomes particularly evident in spousal murder trials, where jurors and the public are more likely to believe that the spouse was involved in vices such as gambling or affairs - or was simply an unpleasant individual - rather than consider them purely innocent. This bias towards a "lesser evil" provides a sense of cognitive comfort, as it allows people to fit the scenario into a more familiar narrative of human flaws and misdemeanours.
This psychological strategy is not limited to criminal cases but extends into various areas of life, including business and personal interactions. Cunning individuals often recognise the power of this inclination and may strategically admit to a lesser evil in order to deflect attention from a more significant hidden truth. By offering a truth that is palatable, they misdirect scrutiny away from the deeper and potentially more damaging reality. In these situations, the ability to discern what is truly being concealed becomes paramount. This is why trusting your gut instincts - those subtle, often overlooked cues - is critical.
Our intuition, when sharpened, can cut through the layers of misdirection and reveal the underlying truth that reason alone might miss.