Posted on 03/27/2007 11:43:53 AM PDT by abb
(03/27/07-- DURHAM) - The pending outcome of the Duke Lacrosse case has one blogger waiting to write the final chapter of an upcoming book.
K.C. Johnson admits he has no personal ties to Durham, Duke University, or the three charged players in the Duke Lacrosse case. Yet, the Brooklyn College professor has a passion for digging up the most surprising details in the investigation. He has posted them on his popular website called Durham-in-Wonderland, a virtual watercooler where the public chats about the highly publicized case. His quick-witted commentary garners the attention of more than ten thousand viewers a day from the Triangle to New York. Now, the Duke Lacrosse case faithfuls can expect to hear more from the outspoken blogger in his upcoming book Until Proven Innocent, due in bookstores this fall.
"The purpose of the book is both to provide a narrative of the case itselfboth the political aspects of the case and the legal aspects of the case," Johnson said, adding that Until Proven Innocent will also take a look at the role of the news media and academics, specifically Duke's faculty.
"The title of the book is a take on how this case really develops," Johnson said. "After the three players were charged, they were effectively presumed guilty."
Johnson and the book's co-author Stuart Taylor, a senior correspondent for the National Journal, have spent months researching the case, interviewing the key players from community leaders to the accuser's family.
Still, Johnson's popular website doesn't withhold his criticism of the alleged victim, Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong and the Duke faculty members known as "The Group of 88."
"I try to speak with people on all sides as much as I possibly can," Johnson said, acknowledging he's had limited success speaking with relatives and friends of the alleged victim. He says the families of the charged players have been more forthcoming.
"My sense with all three families is that they want all of the information out in the public," Johnson said. "To the extent that the blog has gotten all of the information out and has kept focus on the case, I think they're very supportive."
Johnson, a history professor, writes daily for his website. However, the publication date for his book may depend on when he gets to write the final chapter. While he's prepared for a lengthy trial, he's ready to predict an end to the story.
"Historians aren't supposed to make predictions," Johnson said. "But it doesn't take a genius to figure out that the special prosecutors will likely drop the charges."
A spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office says the investigation of the Duke Lacrosse case is ongoing. The special prosecutors have spent weeks reviewing evidence and interviewing key witnesses. According to the spokesperson, the special prosecutors are expected to make a final decision soon, but no public announcement is planned for this week. The next hearing in the controversial case is set for May 7th.
Ping
for later
If they wait until the case is over to publish, it may not come out until the next millenium.
The state of NC STILL has not dropped the case, and very probably is looking for some way to avoid political and financial fallout. Ergo, they may STILL try to find some kind of charges with which to convict the defendants.
The only thing the defendants have going for them is the public spotlight. Help keep the lights focused brightly on Durham :
Petition for Justice in the Duke Lacrosse case :
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/208340697
Every American citizen has personal ties to this case, whether they know it, or not.
All who believe in justice have a personal tie to this case.
The families have had a trial by fire from which they will never recover.
I wish them well.
LIEfong and his vicious pals in the DBM, Duke faculty, etc. are sweating now - desperately trying to postpone the day of reckoning. There must be a reckoning, with the scumbags held to account......
The most common use of the "LAX" acronym is to designate the LA airport...
Only if one is on the West Coast. Those of us in the East know the nic for Lacrosse is LAX
Not in these here parts.
Where do I reserve my copy???
"Where do I reserve my copy???"
Amazon has it already out for pre-order.
Really? I'd been wondering about that myself...I truly thought the LAX was some freeper-inspired editorial comment on law enforcement standards in Durham.
I know I want one. The boys should write one too. Still like the idea of them calling it "Fantastic Lies".
Roy & Co. needs to get this show on the road.
Really--lax is a nickname for lacrosse. I have no idea of its origin. Maybe the x is for crossed sticks? Laxpower is a very popular website for lax followers.
You are a man after my own heart and have spoken a great truth. Prosecutors like Nifong, and liars like the must be made to pay a steep price. Not so much to punish them, although I believe it will be good for their souls, as to discourage others from similar loathsome and vile behavior.
I thought the case was going to be dropped last Friday. Every day must be torture for these guys and their families. What a system!
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