Reply #90: well then, a bunch of us have missed it quite a few times this week

[onenote]

So there isn't any confusion as to where I stand, here is what I think -- feel free to challenge any of these statements with contrary evidence.

1. I question the reliability and accuracy of studies purporting to show that a majority or even a substantial minority of rape allegations are false. I believe the vast majority of such reports are in fact based on an actual assault.

2. On the other hand, false reports of rape do in fact sometimes happen.

3. In the Duke case the information that I have seen is not enough for me to reach any conclusion as to the truth or falsehood of any of the allegations made in this particular case by or on behalf either the accuser or the accused. If I was to rely simply on my belief as to the statistical frequency of false reports, I would have to believe the accuser has truthfully reported that she was assaulted, but that would not necessarily establish the truthfulness of her account of the circumstances surrounding the assault or the identity of those responsible. However, I believe it would be foolish to form an opinion based only on abstract statistics; rather, my position is based entirely on the the information I've seen regarding this particular case.

4. A not insignficant number of DUers have posted their opinion that the accuser is lying about whether she was assaulted and/or the circumstances of that assault. A not insignificant number of DUers have posted that they believe that her claim of being raped is truthful; a lesser, but still signficicant number of posters have indicated that they also believe that she is telling the truth about the circumstances of the assault and those responsible.

5. I believe the number of posters who have formed the opinion that the accuser is or may be lying based on their belief that most rape reports are false is de minimis. The overwhelming majority of posters who have rformed the opinion that accuser is or may be lying have indicated that their opninion is based on their interpretation of the information they have seen reported in this particular case.