As Americans we are used to seeing the justice process play out in the open public courtrooms across the country.

It was no different in the capital murder case against Casey Anthony, the Florida mother accused of killing her two-year-old daughter, Caylee, and in retrospect that process was magnified by media and public interest.

But on Tuesday as the verdict was handed down, in many people’s eyes there was a miscarriage of justice and the faith many have in that justice system was a little bit more whittled away.

Anthony, who reportedly partied her days and nights away while her daughter was missing, was found not guilty of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter in the 2008 death of Caylee. However, Anthony was found guilty of four counts of lying to police regarding a missing person’s case and because she has already been in jail for three years while awaiting trial. Anthony could walk out a free woman as early as next week. Yes, a proverbial slap on the wrist.

And then what does the future hold for Anthony? I’m sure book, interviews and movie deals will abound, but inevitably and undoubtedly, the future will forever hold public scorn for Anthony where ever she goes.

It’s not exactly the death penalty or life behind bars, but it will be justice none the less. The public has a funny way of convicting those involved in high profile court cases before there is ever a trial. And even with an acquittal underneath her belt, Anthony has been found guilty by the general public.

When it comes down to it, if Anthony is released next week she will have no home to go to. The family life painted by her defense lawyers was not a rosy one, especially when her father and brother we’re accused of sexually abusing her.

It also seems highly unlikely Anthony will ever find a “normal” job with the stigma of being accused of murdering her daughter attached to her back.

And what will people say or do when they see Anthony in public. That incessant bug of condemnation will forever be present in her life.

What you put out, you will get back three-fold—it’s something I truly believe in. Justice for Caylee may not be served in this life, but eventually the scales will even out.

No family, no job, no life. In some ways, Anthony will experience the same fate suffered by Caylee, the only difference is Anthony will have a lifetime on Earth to experience it.

Amanda VanDerBroek is a Staff Writer for the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. For comments and column suggestions email: amanda.vanderbroek@r-cnews.com or call (252) 332-7209.