D.A. Nifong's Trial Begins

[John Kilduff]

Opening arguments began this morning. As we might expect this case to be in the news a lot, I thought it would be worthy of a thread.

WRAL News

I am appalled and outraged at what it appears that Nifong has done. While I am generally in favor of leniency for defendants in most cases, in this case I feel the opposite way. Those with the most power bear the most responsibility, and the intentional severe abuse of power in official capacity is beyond reprehensible, in my opinion - all the more so when such abuse can truly ruin people's lives.

I'm having a hard time thinking of any personal crime more evil than what it appears Nifong has attempted, short of murder.

I think those in power must be dissuaded from severely abusing that power. If all is as it appears on its face, and a conviction is gained, I hope they throw the book at Nifong and then some. This guy strikes me as more evil and unconscionable than violent gang members, and at least as dangerous.

As someone else asked, what if the accused Duke students had not the means to pay big $$$ to defend themselves? They would be in jail now with their lives ruined. Very few things make me really mad but Nifong has managed to arouse my ire enormously.

The case should be interesting as it proceeds.

Some have indicated that they think a D.A. is totally immune from all prosecution related to his actions during a case, but some experts have disputed this, saying it depends upon certain criteria. A link or two was posted in a previous thread explaining why D.A.s are not necessarily unconditionally immune to all prosecution. I am aware the matter may be debatable. If people wish to argue that point, perhaps the old thread should be resurrected for that purpose rather than arguing it in this thread (as I hope this thread folllows the current case as it develops, and that particular question may involve much discussion).

If the North Carolina State Bar, which has charged Nifong with several violations of the state's rules of professional conduct, is not pursuing charges that carry criminal penalties, then I would hope Nifong is later so charged. It appears to me that Nifong more or less attempted the professional equivalent of attempting to execute three persons he knew were innocent. Words cannot fully express my revulsion at his apparent conduct and the feeling of loathing so instilled.

Thanks for reading and for listening to this semi-rant, and hopefully the Nifong trial will provide material for a good continuing thread.