No, Marty Griffin, Joe Paterno Does Not Owe You an Explanation.

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | November 8, 2011

No. 751

KDKA talk host Marty Griffin has been demanding that Joe Paterno talk about the pending criminal prosecution against two Penn State officials to whom he reported the Sandusky matter.  Griffin is always attempting to try every new case on his radio program.  Obviously, it is highly improper for Paterno or anyone else who might give evidence in the case to participate in the KD Kangaroo Court or even talk to Judge Griffin about it.  That is what real courts are for.

This does not mean that Griffin or any other journalist should not report the news.  Of course they should.  But Judge Griffin goes far beyond that.  There is no recognition that the defense may present evidence at trial that could change the outcome and it has no obligation to present it to the media before trial.

This is the kind of premature, undisciplined speculation that caused unjustified pain for those involved in the Duke Soccer scandal not so many years ago.  Report.  Be patient.  Don’t judge.  Courts do that.

CLT

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CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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