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Judge Fitzgerald: Give Jane Doe Her Privacy!

  • by: S E Smith
  • recipient: U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald

Judge Fitzgerald has announced that the woman who accused Derrick Rose of rape will not be allowed to retain her anonymity in a civil suit against the athlete. This is a violation of common decency that could also endanger her and compromise an ongoing criminal investigation. Her attorneys have filed a motion for reconsideration, and it should be granted. 

Photo: Keith Allison

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Rape is a particularly sensitive legal and social matter, and the privacy of accusers protects them from harassment while allowing them to decide whether they wish to go public about their experiences. Jane Doe should be offered the courtesy extended in rape cases around the world by being known pseudonymously for her safety and comfort, and in the interest of avoiding compromises to the ongoing criminal investigation into her case. 


Once Doe's name comes to light, it will be impossible to put it back in the bottle — the court owes her a duty of care, especially in a case involving a high-profile athlete that will attract considerable media attention. 

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