Different takes on a "caution"

["L. Bird" <pkeets@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Let's just hope that it comes out worded properly in the news
reports.  I do not like how that NY daily news article read.  For the casual 
reader to see stuff like "Polaroid film," , etc., leaves a lot to the 
imagination.  They should make it clear that the police *found nothing* in 
his computers, etc., and that is *why* there is a deal.


http://www.nydailynews.com/news/col/story/66248p-61611c.html

I agree that this article does not sound good.  A plea bargain in the US 
implies that the defendant pleads guilty of a lesser charge to avoid going 
to trial and possibly receiving a catastrophic sentence for whatever he's 
originally charged with.  Or maybe that he's agreed to give evidence against 
someone else for which he will receive a lighter sentence.

As far as I can tell from the general discussion, a caution is considered 
next to nothing in the UK, regardless that the description says the detainee 
has to admit guilt.  Apparently this is just a formality, so everyone in the 
UK will know this means the police believe Pete's story and have found 
nothing on his computer.  However, the problem is in the interpretation that 
US media makes of the whole thing.  Perhaps a good description to use of a 
"caution" is the warning that US drivers get when they're stopped for 
speeding, but don't quite rate a ticket.

Whatever, here is the email address for the folks apparently responsible for 
the NY Daily News article.  We don't really have any definite information on 
what will happen or what the police have or have not found, but perhaps it 
wouldn't be out of line to write and express some outrage that this article 
implies Pete is guilty of all the accusations or else he wouldn't be making 
a plea deal.

rushmolloy@edit.nydailynews.com


keets

"Never doubt that a small number of thoughtful, committed citizens can 
change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret 
Mead.




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