The Kobe signed statement: setting a precedent in future court cases?
 

"Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did. After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter."

So now we have a statement whereas the accused says he thought it was consensual, but his counterpart, as he now understands, felt that it was forced.

Do you think this mentality will effect future cases? Realistically, we all know why he signed it and we all understand that their were only two possible scenarios, but this statement is an oddity if you ask me.

Is it possible that rape shield laws will become stronger due to this case not moving forward?

I think it will only get worse for the rape victim..especially if the perp or accused has money.

I considered kobe innocent, but doesn't that statement psychologically speaking admit guilt?

What a dipshit.

I know if I was falsely accused of rape I would not say
any form of apology.

How can you be innocent and apologetic?

Then again maybe he is innocent and his lawyers just
made him say what would make her happy. They are
paid to get him free, not popular.

She agreed to drop out of the case if he made that statement.

This article agrees with you Eros, but the latter half forges a much different path.

BTW, I have long felt the rape shield laws hurt the accused.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/09/02/br....ap/index.html

But Kathy Redmond of the National Coalition Against Violent Athletes said the relentless focus on the accuser may help strengthen public support for rape shield laws, which limit the information about alleged victims that can be used in court.

"They're looking at this and saying, 'This has been hard on her and not on Kobe,"' Redmond said.

"There has been so much sympathy that has shifted to the victim. I think they are seeing why we have rape shield laws," said Redmond, who works in Denver with women who have been assaulted by athletes.

Murphy agreed the case may have rallied public support for rape shield laws.

"You really have to have an extreme example of injustice to make the public take notice," she said.

when it comes to trials you usually do whatever the judge your lawyer and her lawyer(prosecuting lawyer) agreed upon.

B-I-N-G-O!