can they downgrade the charge? actually just came across this "The charges brought against Pistorius are likely to cause controversy. The nature of South African law does not allow for a charge of manslaughter or accidental killing, as one would understand it in the United States and Europe. The State has opted to charge Pistorius with what they refer to as “the highest level” of murder charge, which means that they need to prove that his killing of Ms Steenkamp was pre-meditated and planned in advance. No information in the public domain indicates any evidence of such planning exists. There exists the possibility, then, that Pistorius could be found not guilty on the basis that the charges brought against him have not been proven to the satisfaction of the court." The pre-medication and planned in advance may be difficult to prove. If they don't prove that he goes free... Rediculous! I don;t think he planned it he just did it in the heat of the moment. i thought that was the law in the UK too... if you stand trial for murder then they cant turn round and try and pin manslaughter on you half way through the case when it doesn't seem like you'll be found guilty, i know in the states they have the degree system of murder, i think he'll get away with it because they are pushing for the higher charge, whereas if they went for manslaughter it would be a no brainer might need to watch double jeopardy again to get my facts right on the legal system and murder cases... Ashley Judd! You can't be tried for the same murder twice. I think they have changed the double jeopardy law since. In England anyway! In South Africa The bill of rights forbids a retrial where there has been a conviction or an aquittal.