Comments on: Conviction Unlikely for Judge Accused of Raping Prostitute

By: Elle

Elle — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:16:26 +0000

Thank you Charlotte. Apparently, apparently…..because that is the phrase used in three articles I reviewed as sources.

By: Charlotte Shane

Charlotte Shane — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:45:23 +0000

In reply to Ang. Actually, Elle wrote that the man is "apparently" well-known and highly respected. She's summarizing the situation for those who don't live in the area so readers will understand what the claimant is up against, not making her own value judgements about him or his reputation. It's relevant because, as you explain very well, it unfairly influences the opinions of those who control the case's outcome.

By: Ang

Ang — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:37:30 +0000

Not to be overly sensitive, but I bristled when I read the part where you introduced the judge as “well-known and highly respected” and having served on the court for 26 yrs (which was the beginning of the explanation of what makes things more complicated)…
Who knows/likes/respects him? Probably not his victim (if the charges are true). And what does it matter if he’s had his job for so long–does that make it less likely for him to be a rapist?
Even if it’s unintentional, this kind of rhetoric seems to spin him in a positive light from the outset, and I find it upsetting because it’s exactly what was said of my attacker at school when I brought sexual harassment charges against him. Charges like that are very difficult to prove, and his first line of defense was getting his colleagues/supervisor to tell the committee what an friendly, respected, and trustworthy person he was, and how he was involved in a loving relationship, etc. Their personal opinion of his character had absolutely nothing to do with the actual incident (and not to mention, didn’t undo what he did to me). I also can’t fail to notice that in cases like this, the upstanding character of the victims are never mentioned. I just hope that whether or not this judge is guilty, things are decided based on evidence and relevant information, not just general opinion.

By: Shawn baravetto

Shawn baravetto — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:16 +0000

Too complicated…ugh. The system is definitely broken.

By: Kat

Kat — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:42:18 +0000

In reply to lux cobarrubia. So smart. I wonder what the memo said.

By: lux cobarrubia

lux cobarrubia — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:39:53 +0000

i like that he paid her with checks. probably my favorite part.

By: Elle

Elle — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:39:53 +0000

In reply to Kat. That's true. I didn't even consider that. Hmm...we will never know, most likely.

By: Kat

Kat — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:37:36 +0000

Oh yeah, I also had to wonder if not charging Murdoch for hiring a prostitute is actually because they’re looking out for her. She could be prosecuted for prostitution separately from this case.

By: Elle

Elle — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:33:02 +0000

Seriously. At first, I was like, “Go, chick!” And now I’m pretty sure she doesn’t stand a chance against ‘the system’. ugh.

By: Kat

Kat — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:51:40 +0000

This whole story is so Law & Order: SVU.