"There is a higher law than the law of government. That's the law of conscience." - Kwame Ture
I'm no admirer of the carceral state, and would vastly prefer a system of restorative justice rather than one bent on retribution, but it is nonetheless repugnant to watch people celebrate the release of a credibly accused serial rapist on a technicality.
It is especially vulgar to see this cast by Cosby spokesperson Andrew Wyatt as "justice for Black America" when scores of Black women were ignored, abused, scorned and, ultimately, denied justice. Even now, Cosby supporters are swapping disgusting memes denigrating their appearance or behavior. That's a lot of things, but it is not "pro-Black."
Let's not forget how Cosby gallivanted around the country on his "blame tour," denying the persistence of systemic racism, telling people to pull themselves up by their belt-straps, and justifying police lynchings:
Does that statement appear supportive of "due process" to you?
Should Bill Cosby be in prison?
That's the question.
If there isn't enough evidence to convict a man or woman in a court of law, without a prosecutor employing judicial malpractice, should he or she be imprisoned?
If that's what we are arguing here then the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" means nothing.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb;
nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Supporting the 5th Amendment ≠ Supporting Bill Cosby
Equal Justice under law...even for the worst of us.
As it relates to Kwame Ture:
While it is true and I agree with Kwame Ture - his opinion in this case is as irrelevant my own, as neither he nor I have any legal authority or legal accountability.
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania carries that burden and executed their duty IAW the Constitution of the United States.
Not sure if there is an opportunity to appeal, but if there is then those that oppose their ruling should certainly do so.
I understand people have their own opinions about Cosby (I personally haven't liked him since he fired Lisa Bonnet - way before these allegations) but this is bigger than him - even bigger than his victims.
I seriously doubt they'd enjoy having their suffering reduced to a tool used to degrade everyone else's Constitutional rights - just so some DA can pat himself on the back while claiming he exercised judicial malpractice on their behalf.
Or maybe they don't care. Who knows.
Either way, this precedent cannot be set, nor can it stand.
Our rights matter.
How can we support / hold fundraisers for The Innocence Project one minute and endorse judicial malpractice the next?
Does saying "but its Bill Cosby though" make it Ok?
Is this the true limit of our convictions?