Former Penn State Coach Arrested

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

. . . and Pervert Man didn't take the stand in his own defense like his lawyer said he would in opening arguments.

Because if he had, the Commonwealth would have called the adopted son as a rebuttal witness. No one knew about his claims when the trial started and when the defense attorney said Sandusky would take the stand.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Because if he had, the Commonwealth would have called the adopted son as a rebuttal witness. No one knew about his claims when the trial started and when the defense attorney said Sandusky would take the stand.

This is the part of the law that I like and learned from SVU. Something about "opening the door."

[ThetaPrincess24]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Because if he had, the Commonwealth would have called the adopted son as a rebuttal witness. No one knew about his claims when the trial started and when the defense attorney said Sandusky would take the stand.

That happens a lot though doesn't it? Where the original plan is to have the defendant take the stand in their defense, but after testimony a change of plans for whatever reason is needed?

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

That happens a lot though doesn't it? Where the original plan is to have the defendant take the stand in their defense, but after testimony a change of plans for whatever reason is needed?

Yes, for thousands of reasons - good and bad. For example, if you're pretty certain the State failed to prove its case, you would almost never put the defendant on the stand, since they could presumably only screw things up.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Yes, for thousands of reasons - good and bad. For example, if you're pretty certain the State failed to prove its case, you would almost never put the defendant on the stand, since they could presumably only screw things up.

Right. But it points up the risks in telling the jury that they will hear from the defendant.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Right. But it points up the risks in telling the jury that they will hear from the defendant.

Very true ... which is why you should spend the money to hire Not A Family Friend/Not Lawyerin' Joe Amandola (h/t Deadspin), so this sort of day-1 stuff doesn't fall through the cracks.

[thetalady]

Awwww... poor old man isn't happy with his prison accomodations. Boo-friggin'-hoo.

Sandusky Seeks Less Harsh Prison Setting

[33girl]

If he really thinks he would be safe in general pop, he is absolutely bat shit crazy.