all-encompassingly

as dave barry might say, “nifong disbarred” would be a great name for a rock band.

A state ethics panel on Saturday disbarred Michael B. Nifong, the Durham district attorney who pursued a false accusation of sexual assault against three Duke University lacrosse players, shortly after Mr. Nifong said through his lawyer that he thought disbarment was appropriate. [source: nytimes]

nifong deserved to be disbarred. he withheld exculpatory evidence from the defense and attempted to use the race of the defendants and the accused to his advantage in an election year. yet, i have a hard time crying to much for these wealthy (or formerly wealthy) white victims. not that the year-long ordeal was not a tragedy for the individuals and families involved, but i am not as angry about the reverse-racism as are some. *cough* sean hannity *cough*.

i am mad about the vindictive prosecution.

prosecutorial misconduct has been tainting criminal trials forever, and the victims of police and/or prosecutorial misconduct have been, historically, poor and black. most do not have access to million-dollar lawyers. they have little ability to influence public opinion or media coverage. and so they usually end up in jail, their lives ruined. i am glad justice won out this time. i just hope that, from now on, people will make a big deal every time innocent defendants are wrongfully accused, no matter what their race.