Let the courts decide truth, consequences

0 Comments | USA TODAY, April, 2006

I abhor the idea of anyone being subjected to rape, assault and humiliation as may have been the case with the woman involved in the Duke lacrosse party. But this is the United States. Let's say one of these young men were your son, and let's say you knew that the alleged victim was lying.

I'm not saying this is the real case here. But these guys are innocent until proven guilty in the United States, and they have the right to not incriminate themselves. If the assault described in the various media accounts of this incident occurred, the men involved must be held accountable.

The men and their families have the right to defend themselves against these very serious charges any way they choose -- without any implication of guilt -- just as the alleged victim deserves...