Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court *UPDATE -- Guilty on 45 of 48 counts*

I am surprised by the judge's ruling ... I also think he made the right call.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/04/justice/pennsylvania-sandusky-trial/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

My guess is that news organizations will obey this and bottom-feeders like TMZ and Deadspin will milk the names for every last click they're worth.

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

Another link...

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/06/alleged_jerry_sandusky_victims.html

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

If you print their names, it does not have any merit to the story, correct? You would just be printingtheir names to out them, correct?

Since they are not public figures, could, and I am just spitballing this, a defamation of character suit be filed against the reporting agencies?

 

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It wouldn't be defamation of charecter unless outlets labeled them as liars.

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

If it's in court, it's public record. The organizations are just reporting it.

And even so, it's not defaming them. The victims are making an accusation. The news organizations are reporting it.

When news organizations don't report on a rape victim's name, they're doing that voluntarily. They don't have to do it.

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

I'm just trying to think of a way that these people could be protected. Maybe only releasing the names if Sandusky is found innocent?

This just seems so wrong, and I am trying to think of a way to make it more proper.

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

There isn't.

No matter how much of a scumbag Sandusky allegedly appears to be, he's still entitled to a fair trial with the chance to confront his accusers in a court of law.

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

Legally, a news outlet is not breaking the law by releasing the names of alleged victims in any criminal matter so it's not "wrong" to do so.

Ethically, it's an entirely different discussion.

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

Then change the law.

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

The 'law' is the 6th Amendment. Right to a timely public trial and to face your accusers, etc.

Not always easy to know what to do.

 

Re: Sandusky victims to be ID'd in court

In this day and age, I don't think that works in all legal matters.