Readers React: Accused rapists deserve due process

To the editor: I agree with Jonah Goldberg: Rape is a serious crime, but you don’t deal with it by distorting the facts, and you don’t change the burden of proof in criminal cases. (“Using allegations of rape in a grab for power,” Op-Ed, Dec. 8)

We do not believe in the safeguards for criminal defendants — safeguards that protect you and me — because they emanate from the Constitution. Rather, those safeguards are in the Constitution because we believe in them, or at least we say we do. I’m afraid, as Goldberg states, that activists are pushing their own agenda.

And don’t even mention affirmative consent. Little Johnny said to little Suzy, “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours — but sign here first.”

James Harley, Redondo Beach

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