Kobe Bryant Case

Regardless of whether he is guilty or not, this e-mail sent by my boss I thought was poinant about something that is not covered by the media and more of a big picture way of looking at the issue:

By now you probaly know that charges were dismissed against Koby Bryant. I fear the chilling effect this could have on other victims who want to come forward. What started out as the People of Colorado v. Bryant quickly became, because of all the mythology surrounding sexual assault and Bryant's mega celebrity-sports status and money, world opinion v. the Victim. Nothing new here, every rape defendant's defense focuses on blaming the victim. The difference is that Koby has mega media power and money and can more readily influence the court of public opinion. Thus another victim is re-victimied, unwittingly or otherwise, by our judicial system. As lawyers and legal advocates this is particularly appalling. Thus, the reason why we are here. To make a difference.