OpinionsEditorials

Three-ring circus

Tons of broadcast equipment, remote trucks and satellite dishes, fill up the entire parking lot. The corridors are crawling with reporters and pho­tographers representing all the television networks, major newspapers and news magazines. The story is being covered on a continuous basis, on the front pages, the evening news as well as magazine shows. Public rela­tions experts are everywhere, putting their client’s “spin” on the story.

So what is the story? The Mideast Peace Conference? No, it’s a rape trial. What makes this rape so special? After all, rape, unfortunately, is not a unique crime. In fact, one in four female college students will be sexually assaulted before she graduates. So what makes this trial special? In one word, KENNEDY.

Why does the William Kennedy Smith case in Palm Beach get so much attention nationally? What effect, if any, would its outcome have on us? Should the media feed the endless fascination the American public has with the Kennedy name? Is it possible for a Kennedy to get a fair trial?

During jury selection this week, the judge pleaded for restraint after one prospective juror was contacted by the media for an interview. Her pleas are likely to fall on deaf ears. But the media is not the only problem. The media only gives the public what it clamors for. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are jockeying for position to influence public opinion. And by agreeing to open her courtroom for live coverage, the judge is also contributing to the frenzy. The hope that everyone will now practice self­-restraint is simply wishful thinking.

Other StoriesBio

Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Previous article
Enforcement lax
Next article
Coaching at La Verne an uphill struggle; athletic leaders battle for teams’ survival

Latest Stories

Related articles

Editorials

Editorial: Censoring free speech is un-American

At this moment in time, our First Amendment rights are under threat in ways we have not seen in at least a generation. 
LV Life

Project Sister offers new location for survivors

Project Sister Family Services held an open house for their new office space in Pomona on Wednesday.
News

Red Zone calls for further awareness

The first several weeks of the academic year is often referred to as the Red Zone, a period of time between move-in day and Thanksgiving break when college students – first year students and women in particular –  are most likely to experience sexual assault.
News

New Title IX coordinator hopes to have positive impact

Chadwick Best was named the University of La Verne Title IX Coordinator in February 2025.