ELynah Forum

Yes, you are very correct that failing to prosecute is a good way to not win elections, but losing the case in court is also a good way to shoot future career advancement in the foot.  There won't be Congressional or State Senate race in his future if he goes to trial and loses, then suffers a defamation suit from WASPy kid's parents.

I'm all for justice, I'm just exploring options here.  If he still plans to prosecute, I would wager he has more evidence than is publicly acknowledged, or these photographs that show the stripper injured are less damaging to the D.A.'s case then the defendant's lawyers would like the public to believe (big shock there).

I'm with you 100%, I'm just suggesting that if it didn't seem like a clean-cut, easy conviction, there are many reasons that he could have backed out of the case to avoid having to endure losing it in court.

Yes, you have a valid point, but how many of those cases you've worked on involved a WASPy college student from a reputable school and well-off family being charged with rape despite lack of foolproof evidence vs. the number of people changed with rape despite a lack of foolproof evidence who were poor or black?  

Tangling with rich kids, who go to an expensive school, and have a large alumni group associated with their athletic team who want to foot their legal bills seems like a dangerous proposition to ones prosecutorial career.

Lawyers for Lacrosse Players at Duke Say They Expect Indictment in Rape Case http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/sports/sportsspecial1/13lacrosse.html

I don't think any D.A. would be stupid enough to seek an indictment unless he thinks he can actually get the conviction, especially when considering how much money these kids probably have to spend on high quality defense lawyers.  Nifong has had plenty of time to back off if he really doubted the alleged victim's story, and I'd personally take this move as a sign that he feels he has a strong case.

How much is left on the clock in the 2nd?