A controversial Australian #MeToo trial is likely to have to be repeated due to a jury’s procedural error. He obtained background information on the case himself, which is forbidden.
The case revolves around a Defense Department political official who is accused of rape by a former colleague. Bruce Lehrman is said to have assaulted media adviser Brittany Higgins after a night in a minister’s office.
Higgins didn’t come out with her story until she resigned; She stated that she felt filing a complaint would have hurt her career.
After Higgins shared her story, more women came forward with allegations against other government employees. The case has therefore been seen as a textbook example of the toxic relationships in the Australian government. Prime Minister Morrison apologized to Higgins in Parliament for what she had witnessed.
Earlier this month, the trial of Lehrman, who claims to be innocent, began. The twelve-member jury has been discussing their fate since last Wednesday; Lehrman faces 12 years in prison if found guilty.
The jury room clearance went wrong, and a printout of a scholarly paper on false rape allegations was found. Jury members are not allowed to conduct their own investigations, but must base their verdict on documents submitted to the trial, the judge had repeated daily.
“This is clearly unfair to both parties,” the judge said. “Maybe there was no damage, but I can’t take that risk.” She called the result unexpected and regrettable.
Higgins reacted furiously at the decision. Through tears, she spoke of shame that she had to make her entire private life public for nothing, while Lehrman, as a suspect, has the right to remain silent.
“I have chosen to speak out against rape and injustice by sharing my experiences with others. I didn’t know before how distorted criminal law is, but now I do. My life was under a magnifying glass, his was not.”
Lehrman said nothing to the assembled press as he left the court. His lawyers said they regret the turn of events.
The new trial is scheduled for February next year.
Source: NOS
I am David Miller, a highly experienced news reporter and author for 24 Instant News. I specialize in opinion pieces and have written extensively on current events, politics, social issues, and more. My writing has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC News. I strive to be fair-minded while also producing thought-provoking content that encourages readers to engage with the topics I discuss.
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