Monday, June 19, 2017

Understanding the Cosby Verdict

You've read of the so-called "hung jury" in the Cosby rape case in PA. Feelings about such cases run high, and the DA promises a retrial. How did the first trial turn out this way?

I've just read a very measured account of how such things happen, why the law sort of favors this exact outcome, and the issues involved. It was written by a Harvard law prof for The New Yorker.

She points out that the law was purpose-built to favor criminal defendants, for good reason. Her insider's viewpoint of the law and the issues is useful to our understanding of the unsatisfying-to-many outcome.