I know you say you're not excusing her but forgive me because it seems like you sort of are, especially with this: "its what she'd learned and knew no better." I understand giving victims of abuse a bit of lee-way and understanding, I think that Michelle's crime though absolutely blows past that understanding though. If Michelle Jones was thrown in jail for using drugs or prostitution or any number of things I would be able to side with her on this. Child abuse, child neglect, child murder though? I can't do that.