Word: plaintiff
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Rape, like murder and robbery, is a serious offense. But, as with other crimes, we do not know whether or not a rape has taken place just because "a woman calls the police to report [it]." Indeed, one can imagine several scenarios in which a plaintiff's accusation of rape could be seriously doubted. Thus, the authors of the letter are right: "The use of the phrase 'alleged rape' implies that the victim's word is being questioned." This is desirable, because we (and the press) must not assume that a crime has been committed...
...Process. Harvard's approach to formal complaints violates ordinary conceptions of due process. In the legal system plaintiff and defendant are equally situated--each has an advocate and the case is decided by an impartial body which is not closely aligned with the interests of either party. Not only does Harvard not provide for victim advocacy, but several aspects of its approach give the harasser a privileged position vis-a-vis the victim...
...Since 1975, the Los Angeles Police Department has killed 16 people using its famous chokehold. A suit asking that the deadly grip only be used under guidelines went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled 5 to 4 last May that the plaintiff. Adolph Lyons, who was nearly killed by the chokehold, had no right even asking for injunctions against the grip...
Liability laws are a hodgepodge across the nation. Generally, however, if a number of defendants contributed to the plaintiffs injury, he can seek full recovery from one or more of them. In a few states, a case can be thrown out if a plaintiffs carelessness contributed even slightly to the injury. Most states reduce the amount of the judgment in proportion to the plaintiff's negligence. But the long-term trend toward making it easier for plaintiffs to sue has not yet turned around. A bill to limit liability was voted down by a committee of the California legislature...
Unfolding simply, the silly plot follows the courtroom encounter of a woman (Sarah Downs) trying to prosecute her chicken-hearted ex-fiance (William Monnen) for breaking off their engagement. Particularly delightful is Dennis Crowley as the bespectacled judge who falls helplessly in love with Angelina, the plaintiff. Crowley's sparkling voice and facial expressions ripple throughout the stage, especially excelling in his solo about why he became a judge...