Just The Facts

http://projects.publicintegrity.org/pm/ This is a very interesting read. Although dated nearly 7 years ago, I'd bet the process hasn't improved, but rather it has worsen, especially in cases involving sexual abuse. These cases have been very prominent in the news lately and usually surround verbal allegations not backed by any evidence or substantiated time lines and statements. Merely the words of one against the other. The disturbing note is that we are starting to see the age of the accused, usually male, dropping into preteen and early teenage years. Many faced with these types of allegations can be subjected to multiple counts (over-indicting), facing dual digit years in prison and registry requirements that make punishment a life long event. Although many will plea out just out of fear of prison, some remain steadfast in their innocence and become wrongfully convicted based on natural prejudice and bias surrounding these cases. It is so important to understand that nobod...

http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S1563631.shtml?cat=565 I'm sure the general public sees the newscast only from the perspective of an angry mother making an issue that the DA didn't twist the lack of evidence by pushing forward anyways by building or fabricating statements and making a highly emotional case to be tried in the public forum. It was clear, according to this article, that the DA didn't have enough hard evidence for a felony case...period. No Grand Jury to ensure an indictment either. To me, that is a sign of ethical responsibility of purely seeking justice. I know nothing about the circumstances surrounding the case and whether this guy did or didn't do anything, but it appears, in my opinion, that DA Tunney kept his ethical promise of "better to free 10 guilty than ever convict one that is innocent". Whether public opinion agrees with him or not, he did the right thing if he truly didn't have enough corroborating evidence and f...