There's quite a lot about the Duke Lacrosse team story that is bothering me. I have a lot of doubts about everything that has been happening. This whole story has been a media driven frenzy from start to – not finish, but to this point. First the allegations, then the protests and marches. Then the DA – trying hard to win an election finally investigating. Then the DNA evidence that indicates the accused didn't do it. Then the prosecutor securing sealed indictments. Then the media frenzy to get the perp walk on tape.
Now the leaking to the press of evidence that supposedly exonerates one of the young men arrested. Then an absolutely astonishing admission in the linked report:
Though he was indicted, Seligmann is presumed innocent until a jury says otherwise. No one knows what evidence District Attorney Mike Nifong will bring as he looks to convict Seligmann and Finnerty. If that conviction occurs, the two young men face mandatory jail time. Whether the evidence above will clear their names — in either a court of law or in the court of public opinion — will become clear in the weeks and months to come. (Emphasis added)
And really, there it becomes clear. The media as judge, jury and ultimately, executioner. They are controlling this story and dictating what gets told when to whom. The term "court of public opinion" is a fancy way of of saying "the court of media opinion". They will decide how to shape and mold the story. They will ultimately decide who's right or wrong. Whether or not it's good for the people involved, or the justice system, they will decide. Oh, the lawyers are playing the media, certainly. But the media is playing all of us, too.
Think about that.
