# Is there any chance that Sandusky is found not guilty? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [June 15, 2012, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190 "2012-06-15T01:10:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/101 "2012-06-19T17:36:21Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > His lawyer has said he may testify but I don’t think anyone has been more specific than that. Remarkably, even under the circumstances he found a way to make a tacky joke and remind people that he is approximately as digusting as his client: > > The judge said the jury will probably start deliberations by Thursday, so this probably won’t last much longer. I’m beginning to think that lawyer incompetence is looking more and more likely. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/102 "2012-06-19T18:20:43Z")
Some legal expert on CNN last night said the only possible way Sandusky takes the stand is if he personally demands it. No sane defense attorney in the universe would put that guy in front of a jury. As has been alluded to, there is suspicion that Sandusky’s lawyer may actually be that dumb. ---
**Author:** ![Spiff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiff/32/9852_2.png) [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/103 "2012-06-19T19:24:26Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > Uh…I didn’t click on the link, but why was this cut from the broadcast? This is the very definition of WTF. NBC Nightly News played that audio clip on Monday night’s broadcast (June 18). Why the delay, I don’t know. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/104 "2012-06-19T21:05:21Z")
> [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](#): > > Some legal expert on CNN last night said the only possible way Sandusky takes the stand is if he personally demands it. No sane defense attorney in the universe would put that guy in front of a jury. That presumes that he has a non-zero chance of acquital without it. People here have been speculating that he does not, and if that’s correct, then what does he have to lose in taking a shot? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/105 "2012-06-19T22:21:47Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > That presumes that he has a non-zero chance of acquital without it. People here have been speculating that he does not, and if that’s correct, then what does he have to lose in taking a shot? Whatever shattered remains are left of his dignity and the regards of the few remaining fence sitters who might still be able to be convinced he’s not guilty. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/106 "2012-06-19T22:29:46Z")
If you ask me, his dignity is even lower standing than his chance of acquital, at this point. He has already been found guilty by the public at large. I don’t think his testimony can change that. I don’t even think the verdict will change that (even if by some miracle he’s acquitted). IMO, if the defense has been as weak as it seems, then he should go for the hail mary and testify. On another note, one thing that’s striking is that some of the stronger of the promised defense witnesses don’t seem to have materialized (unless I’ve missed it). I’m thinking specifically of the alleged boy-in-the-shower-who-was-not-raped, and the guy who McQueary told a completely different story to. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/107 "2012-06-19T22:43:39Z")
[Histrionic Personality Disorder defense.](http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-06-19/sandusky-trial-histrionic-disorder/55693926/1) Just pull a random diagnosis out of thin air and apply liberally. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/108 "2012-06-20T09:36:08Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > [Histrionic Personality Disorder defense.](http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-06-19/sandusky-trial-histrionic-disorder/55693926/1) > > Just pull a random diagnosis out of thin air and apply liberally. I don’t get it. How does his being an attention whore factor into the trial on any level ? Is the defence arguing he only fucked kids to get on TV or something ? ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/109 "2012-06-20T11:27:16Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > I don’t get it. How does his being an attention whore factor into the trial on any level ? Is the defence arguing he only fucked kids to get on TV or something ? The defense is saying that this personality disorder explains the content of letters Sandusky wrote to one of the boys. They can’t deny the existence of the letters, so they have to explain them. They still deny the physical acts of which he’s accused. > [@](#): > > A large portion of the day’s testimony, which included 11 more character witnesses, consisted of a defense psychologist, Elliott Atkins, who told jurors he believes Jerry Sandusky has a personality disorder that might explain letters addressed to one of his accusers. From [here](http://news.yahoo.com/testimony-nears-end-sanduskys-abuse-trial-062956470--spt.html). ---
**Author:** ![ballardfam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8797f3/32.png) [@ballardfam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ballardfam)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/110 "2012-06-20T14:46:48Z")
> [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](#): > > Some legal expert on CNN last night said the only possible way Sandusky takes the stand is if he personally demands it. No sane defense attorney in the universe would put that guy in front of a jury. As has been alluded to, there is suspicion that Sandusky’s lawyer may actually be that dumb. IMO he’s that delusional, which is a kind of stupid. The lawyer is a guy who, at age 49, got a 16 year old client pregnant. Marrying her later doesn’t mitigate the reality that age constraints regarding his sexual behavior are blurred. Not to mention what is appropriate in professional behavior. So I think that he & Sandusky appear to share some fundimental life views - this goes some way in explaining why he & Sandusky could believe their defense has viability. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/111 "2012-06-20T15:55:37Z")
The defense has rested without calling Sandusky. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/112 "2012-06-20T17:01:39Z")
ISTM that the defense had a better day yesterday, and Dottie Sandusky was an effective witness. Also, the defense has been pushing the line that the cops coached the victims to testify against Sandusky. They played a recording, which was of limited value IMO, but today they put another ex-Second Mile kid who claims the cops tried to pressure _him_ to testify (falsely) against Sandusky. > [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > On another note, one thing that’s striking is that some of the stronger of the promised defense witnesses don’t seem to have materialized (unless I’ve missed it). I’m thinking specifically of the alleged boy-in-the-shower-who-was-not-raped, and the guy who McQueary told a completely different story to. The second of these (Dranov) testified today. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/113 "2012-06-20T17:12:30Z")
> [@ballardfam](#): > > IMO he’s that delusional, which is a kind of stupid. The lawyer is a guy who, at age 49, got a 16 year old client pregnant. Marrying her later doesn’t mitigate the reality that age constraints regarding his sexual behavior are blurred. Not to mention what is appropriate in professional behavior. Wow! This puts him in the class as such revered legal eagles as [Lionel Hutz](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Hutz), [Saul Goodman](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Goodman_%28Breaking_Bad%29#Saul_Goodman), and [Barry Zuckerkorn](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Zuckerkorn#Barry_Zuckerkorn). If the charges weren’t so serious and disgusting it would make one hell of a sitcom. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/114 "2012-06-20T17:14:42Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > If the charges weren’t so serious and disgusting it would make one hell of a sitcom. A series based on a lawyer sleeping with a teenage client is too dark and seedy for a sitcom. But it’d work as a series on AMC or HBO or something. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/115 "2012-06-20T17:59:23Z")
I wonder how much “star power” will be a factor. IMHO, it was a large part of the reason that OJ got off. Is Sandusky a “star” in western PA? I live in a college football crazy state as well but I have a hard time seeing a former assistant coach as much of a star. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/116 "2012-06-20T18:00:59Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > A series based on a lawyer sleeping with a teenage client is too dark and seedy for a sitcom. But it’d work as a series on AMC or HBO or something. Naaah. Naked 16 year old totally works for HBO, but not PaunchyLawyer49. [QUOTE=Crotalus] The defense is saying that this personality disorder explains the content of letters Sandusky wrote to one of the boys. They can’t deny the existence of the letters, so they have to explain them. They still deny the physical acts of which he’s accused. [/QUOTE] Uh. I… guess that’s an odd tack then. IANAPsychiatrist, but histrionics are about agoraphilia, pleasing crowds and always trying to be “that guy” in social settings, right ? Not sure the PD would influence behaviour when writing private letters at all, it wouldn’t “kick in” in that setting would it ? If he’d written stuff on a blog or on Facebook, that would be different I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/117 "2012-06-20T18:24:56Z")
> [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > I wonder how much “star power” will be a factor. IMHO, it was a large part of the reason that OJ got off. Is Sandusky a “star” in western PA? I live in a college football crazy state as well but I have a hard time seeing a former assistant coach as much of a star. People have been wondering that for a while. Penn State dominates that community and their football team is a big deal, but he’s not Joe Paterno and the accusations are very serious. If the witnesses are allegations are credible, I don’t think it matters who he is. And as a non-lawyer observer I don’t think the defense has done much to cast doubt on the charges. ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/118 "2012-06-20T19:19:51Z")
From the perspective of a guy living in State College: Paterno’s house had student vigils and protests against his firing. Sandusky’s house has his neighbors crossing the street to not walk near it. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/119 "2012-06-20T20:01:47Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > That presumes that he has a non-zero chance of acquital without it. People here have been speculating that he does not, and if that’s correct, then what does he have to lose in taking a shot? I should also add that the same CNN legal expert also said that the defense is banking on this jury with strong Penn State ties to have a mentality of “let us police our own,” which is completely absurd. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2012, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190/120 "2012-06-20T20:38:00Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > His lawyer has said he may testify but I don’t think anyone has been more specific than that. Remarkably, even under the circumstances he found a way to make a tacky joke and remind people that he is approximately as digusting as his client: Amendola also told a reporter that if you believe that witnesses saw what they claimed to have seen and yet did nothing, “I suggest you dial 1-800-REALITY.” That number reportedly turned out to be a phone-sex line. There’s also this [gem](http://www.loweringthebar.net/2012/06/people-who-should-stop-talking-joe-amendola.html), which was _to the jury_: > [@](#): > > In his opening statement to the jury, Sandusky’s lawyer, Joseph Amendola, said that Sandusky had a long history of helping children and that he and his wife, who were unable to bear children, had formally adopted six of them. The gifts Sandusky gave children were out of a genuine desire to improve their lives, Amendola said, and his affection for them was being distorted by the prosecution. > > “Jerry loves kids so much that he does things most of us wouldn’t think of doing,” Amendola said. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-chance-that-sandusky-is-found-not-guilty/625190.md?page=7)