I made my original comment because you called the "boys". They are not boys and imply that they were behaving appropriately. They are men, not boys. Free to think and choose. And they chose to behave in ways that were potentially problematic.
One would have to go out and pretend that soliciting two women to your home to strip and whatever is a regular every day affair with no consequences. And while it may happen frequently in such situations, it does not make it smart. And do you know why?...cause stuff like this happens.
Travesty of justice or not, they landed themselves there. Be in denial if you wish, but it is very much both a part of this case and a part of how it came to be. Their behavior has caused the "cloud".
I wonder how many such parties they have had since? I would venture to say zero. Why, because they now know it was stupid. And their lawyers, who get paid to be smart for them, have advised them it would be a bad idea. It doesn't make their lawyers part of a vice squad.
Are they guilty of rape? I don't think so. Are they guilty of stupidity for putting themseleves in a compromising conditions? Absolutely.
Seems that puts me on the wrong "team" to the shoutdown crowd. Like I care.
I've done stupid.
I bet most folks here, before they actually matured....did stupid.
Should stupid cost a reputation, a life, all financial gain, the life savings of parents?????
NO!
Stupid is stupid....what those boys did was stupid.
But what this DA is doing is criminal!
Your lengthy explanation does not address the simple fact that it looks as though at least 2 of these boys, (and yes, I do still consider 19 year old teenagers boys), MAY NOT HAVE EVEN BEEN AT THE PARTY!
They have been accused of a very serious crime. I share your belief that they did not commit this crime.
In other words, the poor judgment of their peers should have absolutely no bearing on them.
Thus, they do indeed illicit my sympathy.