Beyond the Verdict: Bureaucrats Continue to Punish the Innocent

Commentary Why do anonymous bureaucrats have the power to ruin the lives of people found not guilty in a criminal court? “Michael” was a confident, popular Aussie kid who spent his whole childhood in the surf. By 18, he was a qualified beach lifeguard. That’s all he’d ever wanted to be. But then, in August 2021, came the accusation. Sexual intercourse without consent. She claimed he’d beaten her up and forced her to have sex against her will. He said she’d come on to him at the party and initiated the whole thing. He was charged, and sent to jail for a couple of nights, before being let out on strict bail conditions. Eighteen months later a 6-week court case resulted in a unanimous verdict of not guilty....