'60 Minutes' interviews Duke lacrosse defendants (DukeLax Ping)

Durham Herald-Sun ^ | October 11, 2006 | John Stevenson

[Howlin]

Dave Evans sounded JUST like he did the day of his press conference.

[Fido969]

Well - I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!

But then again - NO ONE expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Look, I don't have to defend myself here, too, guilty until proven innocent, etc. Nor do I have to give myself a case of post-traumatic stress disorder by dragging up for your amusement every sordid detail of the worst four years of my life.

But look at the Duke case - You have seen the evidence - you know what a dog this is. But Nifong has plenty of defenders! And not just the pot-bangers - Nancy Grace, Wendy Murphy - former prosecutors have been giving very active support! The MSM supported his actions for a long time, and the NYT and the Herald Sun see nothing wrong with what is going on here.

There is a huge segment of society and a huge segment of the "justice system" that is twisted beyond belief. If a person walks into a courtroom, whether it be criminal, civil or probate, they have a right to expect fairness, objectivity and impartialness.

That, however, is NOT what they are going to get.

How much more evidence do you need?

[RecallMoran]

Please back off a little. Howlin has been one of the strongest Freepers on this case since day 1 back in March. There is no one who knows these people, this case or the legal ramifications and nuances as well as Howlin. You raise some good points but the Brodhead insult aimed at Howlin was out of line.

[jennyd]

I wonder if you asked them if they want to go to trial, what would they say. I am sorry, that's just nonsense. You are saying they should go on trial in Durham?

[Howlin]

Like I said, you don't know who you're dealing with here.

Never mind.

[jennyd]

Innocent people should not go on trial to prove their innocence. Furhtemore, it's impossible. There is no option of "innocent." Our trial system is not there to prove anyone innocent.

[jennyd]

And you do? LOL.
Are you seriously saying they want to go on trial?

[onyx]

Nifong has not dropped the case, so what do you suggest, dear?

[jennyd]

Sad but true. It's naive to think that trial is going to magically prove them innocent.

[RecallMoran]

Of course they do not want a criminal trial. Nifong will fail to prove guilt. Although I respect the risks, I am not as cynical as others about the possibility of jury nullification.

And sure you can "prove innocence," just not at a criminal trial. There are other forums for that, including a civil case.

[jennyd]

You haven't followed the discussion. Howlin thinks the worst thing that can happen is Precious refusing to go forward with the case.

[Sue Perkick]

That thought has crossed my mind too. That would let Fong off way too easy. These boys need to regain their reputations. That won't happen with a big cloud of doubt in the air. I'd rather see Crystal throw him under the bus. Not likely though. I hope they sue no matter what happens. But I still think there needs to be an investigation into Nifong's handling of this case. And changes in the system. Big ones.

[Dukie07]

"In July, a San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled that Shinnick was innocent by "findings of fact" -- a decision that essentially erases all record of the case."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/08/30/BUGTGKRHSF1.DTL
The quote is about 2/3 of the way down.

Is this a possibility in NC?

[onyx]

I have followed the discussion and you are misrepresenting Howlin's comments.

They need to clear their names! How can they do that?

[beyond the sea]

You've got mail .....

[RecallMoran]

By the way, Precious refusing to go forward may not necessarily stop Nifong. He can still be willing to go forward. Rare and stupid, but it is conceivable that the case can proceed without Precious. Personally, I think nothing short of a court dismissing the case will dissuade him from going forward.

[jennyd]

I doubt there was a single case of rape allegations prosecuted without a complaining witness. Don't they have a constitutional right to confront their accuser?

[onyx]

BUMP.

[Howlin]

Well, she very well could, since he hasn't even heard her "story" yet, eh?

He cannot possibly have anything else to prove his case; if he has withheld evidence, he will be hung at high noon on that campus.

[Howlin]

It's called a directed verdict; and yes, that can happen in NC.