[Imc-web] Patrick Thompson's accuser

[Wendy Edwards]

Well, at this point, the name is up at 

http://www.ucimc.org/feature/display/123665/index.php
http://www.ucimc.org/feature/display/121475/index.php

It seems quite likely that her allegations are false, given
that she's apparently made similar accusations against other
men.  There's also an interesting lack of physical evidence.
However, someone suggested that even if this woman's a liar,
publishing her name could have a chilling effect on real
assault victims coming forward.  So I also support the idea
of looking into such a policy.  In the meantime, what do
people suggest we do about the current threads?

Wendy

On Thu, Jul 06, 2006 at 05:22:43PM -0500, Mike Lehman wrote:
> There is no existing policy, as far as I'm aware.
> 
> However, it is a convention that is widely observed by the press. 
> Certainly, if found not guilty, I can see the argument that it might be 
> a false accusation, but even then I would personally be uncomfortable 
> with violating this convention.
> 
> Those in court will almost certainly evaluate the evidence regarding her 
> veracity, along with other evidence or lack thereof, otherwise it would 
> likely be grounds for an appeal.
> 
> In the future, I think it would be a wise idea for UC IMC to consider a 
> policy that it does not publish names under these circumstances. I would 
> be supportive of such a proposal.
> Mike Lehman
> 
> Wendy Edwards wrote:
> >Some people expressed discomfort related to the name of Patrick
> >Thompson's accuser being posted on the IMC website.  Do we have
> >any policies in place related to this?  Personally, I have mixed
> >feelings.  On one hand, the anonymity makes it easier for
> >the accuser to make unfounded allegations without experiencing
> >serious consequences.  On the other, publicly identifying any
> >accuser could make a real rape victim more afraid to press charges.
> >Does anyone else have any opinions on this?
> >
> >Wendy
> >
> >
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