Runner who slapped reporter’s butt in road race arrested for sexual battery

Conundrum wrote:

Armstronglivs wrote:

If I was his defence counsel I would not agree. You have simply assumed the view of the complainant.

But I am not his counsel. However I would not agree with you for another reason. I have experienced the same kind of uninvited attention on several occasions from women. I know other men who have similarly been groped. None of us felt it necessary to consider bringing charges. It was sufficient to tell someone to back off if we didn't like it. Rudeness - which is how I experienced it at the most - can be put in its place without seeing oneself as a victim and the other person as a criminal.

I understand the reporter is upset at what happened. But I see her choice to prosecute as unnecessary and an over-reaction - in those particular circumstances. There will be situations where a prosecution may well be justified. I don't think this is one of them.

Here is the critical factor that you are missing. This wasn't a private act seen only by a couple of people. Some argument to just ignore it could be made in that instant. But that was not at all the case. It was done on a televised show and through social media probably seen by many thousands of people. A message had to be sent not only to the butt slapper but to all the people watching, that this behavior is not only unacceptable but also has consequences.

This was the right and brave thing to do by the reporter. I think those attacking her for pursuing legal action are completely missing the big picture.

What a horrible message would be sent, if people thought this intrusion of touching a stranger in a private spot should be dealt with just a "wink wink you shouldn't do that".

Now come on, you have to agree.

oh the boldness wrote:

Armstronglivs wrote:

In response to the above, you seem to have trouble following an argument. My main point is my belief that legal action isn't required - not for the reporter and not for myself. To prosecute for an act of mere stupidity or rudeness devalues the proper role of the courts, which is to provide accountability where serious harm has occurred and no other remedy is available.

It's true that I am neither judge nor jury, but neither are you or anyone else commenting here. So why are you discussing it? The fact is, this is not a private matter between two individuals; the criminal courts are an agency of the state acting on behalf of the community. In that sense, we are all a party to this case.

I absolutely follow your argument. You believe legal action isn't required. You've made that abundantly clear. The fact is that it really doesn't matter what you think now that the reporter has decided to take action. Clearly at least one lawyer and one judge in this country disagrees with you. That is all that really matters. Why don't you stop all your blubbering and wait for a decision to be rendered in this case? Maybe the courts will rule in favor of the reporter, maybe they won't. Irrespective of the outcome, I'd advise people to keep their hands to themselves lest they unknowingly slap an overly sensitive person (in your eyes) and face onerous legal action. Just stating the obvious here whether you want to admit it or not.