Teenage Boys Take Advantage Of A Disabled Girl | Law & Order

Law & Order is streaming now on Peacock: pck.tv/46lNAcm
A heated debate takes over the courtroom when teenage boys are accused of sexually assaulting a disabled girl.
From "Damaged" (Season 8, Episode 22): Detectives Briscoe and Curtis (Jerry Orbach, Benjamin Bratt) take on a double shooting case; McCoy and Ross (Sam Waterston, Carey Lowell) prosecute the alleged gang rape of a girl with disabilities.
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Show Synopsis: In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories. From Emmy-winning creator Dick Wolf, with its groundbreaking "ripped-from-the-headlines" format, comes the highly-acclaimed, longest-running crime series in television history.
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Channel description:
Welcome to the official KZbin channel for Law & Order. Watch all of the official clips from the series, some of the best moments from within the criminal justice system, where the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: The police, who investigate crime, and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders.
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[@warhawk9566]

"She has the mind of a child!" "She's curious about her sexuality!" Yeah a harsh truth is, children do get curious about their sexuality, some earlier than others, that doesn't make it fucking okay I know it's a show but there are people who actually make these arguments

[@andrewblanchard2398]

some RED STATES just made marrying children LEGAL

[@ArkhamKnight-uj6ww]

Yeah we can’t hide stuff like this from them forever as children to grow up to be adults

[@privatecaboose250]

@@ArkhamKnight-uj6ww So exploit ppl who have a mind of a child that doesn't understand what consent means?

[@ArkhamKnight-uj6ww]

@@privatecaboose250 oh sorry I hadn’t watched it fully yet

[@HAWKEYE21343]

I work in this community and let me tell you trying to get the people you support to understand their sexuality is very difficult but it's even more difficult to explain to them about inappropriate sexual experience especially when they can't talk or can't react like a typical person

[@rainnmoon114]

Seeing her struggle with describing being raped and taken advantage of is so heart breaking. Whoever the actress is really did a good job of portraying such a character.

[@apricoconutfitzgerald2280]

@@LoveShackSarah88 exactly I liked her in the show& she was STUNNING... but I think she changed sooo much , in only 3 years.look how different she is ( I read it's 1998 ,this one).

[@rainnmoon114]

@@sarahm7086 Oh my God. That's why it's called ACTING. Anyone can be anyone. She did a great job. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@arkoutarkout3654]

Your comment is not frustrating or unexpected just disappointing it just shows the level of woke ideology in today's society and you would be the type of person who would enable or participate in this type of crime l@@sarahm7086

[@wadebatson9495]

@@sarahm7086 I'm fairly certain that if they gotten an adult actress with the mind of a child, she wouldn't have been able to act the scene as well as Lauren did.

[@victorhrodriguez1159]

RAIN: I disagree. A real retarded person DOES NOT behave like she did. She was not well trained for this type of role.

[@nonymouz9334]

"They told me not to say anything to anybody...sorry." The fact she showed remorse for being a snitch while the three men spared no quarter in taking her innocence.

[@gabbylopez9091]

I agree; it wasn't even her fault that they did what they did. She was just being obedient because that's what she knows; if someone tells her to do something, she's going to do it because she was told to. I am so angry at those boys; they need to go to prison; maybe the inmates will teach them their lesson!

[@treroney4720]

@@gabbylopez9091 bend them over and make them go through what she went through

[@masterpeace3591]

Innocence? She knew what she was doing she said so. Stop simping, women aren’t angels.

[@marissacoleman4947]

@@masterpeace3591 leave it to a fuckin nerd that still plays with YuGiOh cards to be misogynistic

[@masterpeace3591]

@@marissacoleman4947 hey watch it those cards are worth more than your pathetic life

[@randywoodworth5990]

A case like this happened in my town awhile back, a girl was sexually assaulted, and the judge dismissed the case at trial, and the judge took a lot of heat over it, he was stripped of his position, and had his law license revoked.

[@59master60]

Glad that judge was fired

[@ironhell813]

Do judges need law licenses? I thought they were elected and this only need to be dismissed….

[@annikenlittle9644]

@@59master60 Good. He Was Stripped Of Everything He Has.

[@annikenlittle9644]

Were You Stripped Of Everything You Has? Thanks

[@annikenlittle9644]

I wear diapers

[@YmaldonadoY123]

Even without the disability… still wrong. That judge is sick

[@YmaldonadoY123]

It’s a show but some judges act like this in real life it’s sick

[@gagejernigan5277]

How is it wrong without the disability?? They’re the same age

[@davidpalmer7175]

WRONG or against the law? Learn the difference.

[@Squirreltasticqueen]

​@@gagejernigan5277 a girl socially pressured into a gang bang cannot give consent. It can happen to anyone regardless of disability

[@Squirreltasticqueen]

​@@gagejernigan5277 also the judge undermining the jury is wrong

[@denisenoe7746]

I believe this was inspired by an actual case of high school boys abusing a mentally challenged girl. I also believe they were convicted without a jerk judge overturning the convictions.

[@oreldean]

Yes, I remember they had a lifetime movie about it.

[@RenaMichelle]

@@oreldean Our Guys: Outrage at Glen Ridge

[@cryptidian3530]

Good. They should be buried underneath the prison imho.

[@denisenoe7746]

@@cryptidian3530 I am glad they went to prison. The mentally disabled are not a sexual resource for predators!

[@littlesongbird1]

@@RenaMichelle My ex was living in Glen Ridge when that incident happened. The movie took many liberties but he said sadly the guys who did it, once released went on with life and got jobs, etc. No real long term effects.

[@swimfast724]

I'm in shock watching this with my jaw on the floor. She tells everyone exactly what those boys did to her and the man asks "Did you enjoy it?" ?!?! I couldn't believe he was serious! The worst part is the judge allowed this whole thing! I absolutely can't believe this was the standard treatment for victims back then. I'm shook 😳

[@Colejones9505]

If I was this girls dad I would have gotten up and punched him right in the face for saying that.

[@suzannerust8658]

Not just back then, it's still happening today which sickens me since as McCoy said, how she was dressed shouldn't be relevant to a court case in any way.

[@adamlouis3725]

but she did like it?

[@amazingabby25]

Even worse this was based on a real case that took place in Glen Ridge. NJ it was so disturbing it never left my mimd

[@suzannerust8658]

@@adamlouis3725 irrelevant. And they did point out that she has some mental problems.

[@jodifoster9820]

it doesn’t matter if she was disabled or not, she should have NEVER been assaulted

[@shiralleehaggart72]

@@KenBroo0 Three against one. Pack mentality like animals.

[@shiralleehaggart72]

@@JaylukKhan No just three invincible pack mentality little losers took advantage of her.

[@DipDuckDive]

@@JaylukKhanrape is not assault? You kidding?

[@JaylukKhan]

@@DipDuckDive she wasn't raped. The narrative wants us to think she was raped because they think disabled people can't give consent.

[@TheLivedeath]

@@DipDuckDive You didnt watch the episode. The girl gave consent to everything the boys did and enjoyed it. The question is her being slightly mentally challenged prevented them from being given lawful consent?

[@chessmentor63]

One of the best, if disturbing, episodes. I think the judge said enough to constitute an ethics violation, for instance saying the girl "had the time of her life".

[@richardclarke376]

yeah I don't think an actual judge would say that

[@mattieblackeyes957]

how can anyone even call him "your HONOR" after saying and believing such vile things! I puked in my mouth watching this, and it makes me want to stab myself in the eye. Or crush the balls of every man who would side with the defendants with a giant gavel and watch them eat it unseasoned... I can't decide.

[@TheMulToyVerse]

I also don’t think that the judge themselves would unilaterally ask the defense if they’d like to motion for a mistrial/dismissal ~AFTER~ a jury reached a verdict. That’s something that a good lawyer would’ve requested prior to a jury going to discuss the final verdict I always thought that once a verdict was reached that the appeals process began (if sought); in a different courtroom with a difference judge on a different date… not in front of the jury 5 seconds after the verdict was read and instantly granted after being lead by the judge of the trial, lol

[@travisgoonan7667]

I think that this judged should be disbarred and convicted for official corruption, but the cold reality is that officials like him do exist and that they can get away with these crimes. I remember when a teenager with autism was shot mercilessly by the police and yet I haven’t heard anything about them being punished. Not only does it prove that there is no true justice, but that the meak will not inherit the earth.

[@craighealy4069]

I agree it is gross and disgusting

[@Darren-lb3rx]

What the judge basically said is “She had the time of her life” as in “If I had a shot I woulda joined in too” Disgusting

[@Stitchman3875]

I'd hate to hear what he says regarding pedophiles.

[@dannyx498]

How soft are you

[@krishnasanyal7]

Real life the judge would have been disbarred and the defense motion dismissed

[@Stitchman3875]

@@krishnasanyal7 I’d hope so.

[@krishnasanyal7]

@K K This is not real life. Don't know where you are from but in my country this happens rarely. The judges would be in jail for such behaviour

[@hannahp.fletcher9969]

"She has the mind of a child!" "She's curious about her own sexuality." Yeah, so are children and even toddlers. It's natural BUT that does NOT make it okay for them to do what they did to her. She can be curious, that's fine, but even if she's physically considered 'mature' that doesn't mean it's okay for her to experience psychologically.

[@trinitylivingston1286]

You can also clearly tell she didn't fully understand it either.

[@ultimatemanny]

@@trinitylivingston1286 true plus the fact are not straight cases like this take months of questioning

[@trinitylivingston1286]

@@ultimatemanny yea

[@lunosol8914]

Toddlers aren't curious about their sexuality tf

[@reform-revolution]

@@lunosol8914 there are rare illnesses that can cause puberty as early as 5 years old so it can happen but its rare AF

[@jilla-dr9hu]

As a disabled adult I get this. I was taken advantage of as a teen at work and just wanted to be accepted. I wanted attention too. I think this actress did an a amazing job. The way the boys looked all guilty and she said “sorry” for saying something. That killed me. The fact the judge was so blind to see it. That a girl like that will get hurt one day for it. It’s sick

[@swimfast724]

I'm sorry that happened to you

[@blakejdke5141]

​@swimfast724 it's sad but once you hit 18. You're free game if you don't say no.

[@blakejdke5141]

​@swimfast724 now if we as a world decided universally that 18 is to young then the disabled may still be saved In sense of court justice.

[@alirosebest831]

I’m pretty sure everyone who had any kind of sexual experience when they were twelve and who thought it was cool at the time grew up to realize they were taken advantage of.

[@ishiahlucas3005]

yes but imagine not getting to the point where you realize it

[@cloverflower2820]

Sexual exploitation has ruined many lives.

[@zlatakashcheeva5309]

Yes

[@A5H_01]

I have autism. My father used to abuse me like that since I was really young. I remember liking it because it felt funny and it made my dad happy (if he wasn't happy, he would get drunk and hit me, my sister and mother) I'm 21 now. I haven't seen him since I turned 14 and woke up to what kind of abuse I endured for so long because I didn't know better.

[@cloverflower2820]

@@A5H_01 Sorry this happened to u

[@alicevottero4527]

"Did you enjoy it?" "What were you wearing?" Absolutely disgusting

[@sakaiahreign3365]

Exactly

[@InitialPC]

A) She said yes. B) She admitted she would wear skimpy clothes to intentionally get the attention of the boys. You are trying to imply that the boys forced themselves on her and are using her clothes as an excuse, but in this specific instance her clothes BY HER OWN ADMISSION was relevant.

[@ajaxc766]

@@InitialPC she couldnt consent tho, she had the mental age of a 12 year old, 12 year olds cannot consent

[@thesleepyduck8368]

@@InitialPC she has the mind of a child and those rapists knew it….

[@lailahhigginssmith975]

@@InitialPC she mentally disabled she didn’t know what she was doing! They took advantage of her.

[@Diamondmahoney]

Honestly this is making me mad. Why is it they always go to what a girl is wearing when she’s raped? ITS TODDLERS IN KIDS CLOTHES THAT GET TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. Wtf does clothes have to do with a person whose mind is sick asf? Make it make sense. Victims are always treated like the guilty ones.

[@mariasbuggy]

fr, i remember there’s a museum of victims and majority are sweaters, pants, even newborn onesies. that just shows that clothes don’t matter, clothes aren’t reasons.

[@Slappys]

They explained why

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

@@Slappys Their point was to prove she was aware of her seggsuality. Even if she was, that doesn't make it okay.

[@christinaify]

Hit the pricks who say that in the head with a bat. What? They weren't wearing a helmet - clearly asking for it.

[@kayanurshiya3778]

I remember a young woman was raped by a taxi driver in Egypt . Get this she was wearing a FULL BURKA with gloves and everything . and they still asked her why she was alone with him!!! She got into a taxi after doing some shopping and the guy was the driver. The whole country was in up in flames . So he was quickly prosecuted but a lot of people wondered would the people protest if she wasn’t wearing any burka .

[@ronniselvan6243]

The thing they did with the bottle made me sick to my stomach. They absolutely should get expelled from school if not arrested. This girl was underdeveloped and clearly could not make a rational decision. I feel so sorry for her

[@PillJoy]

dont understand what did the bottle mean

[@ronniselvan6243]

@@PillJoy they put it in her V. That's disgusting.

[@annikenlittle9644]

@@ronniselvan6243 Sexual Intercourse Boys vs Girls?

[@nobodyburgen4594]

Well, they were arrested. That’s why they were at trial. They just didn’t get convicted.

[@annikenlittle9644]

@@nobodyburgen4594I have a fantasy of being treated like a little girl

[@charleswimberly5519]

What’s sickening is society doesn’t care about disabled people they don’t care what happens to them society needs to protect disabled people more and prevent harm coming towards them

[@generichuman2044]

Most of society does care but unfortunately some people are just ignorant. What's more upsetting is that some in positions of power are just cruel and sick people. They have their own opinions and nothing will ever change their mind

[@thesouthernerwithadhd2710]

They only care when it's convenient.

[@hydrokineticpowerhouse]

Clearly the jury cared but the judge didn’t.

[@Songsthesecond]

People with mental disorders are also disabled

[@charleswimberly5519]

@@Songsthesecond i know that

[@nathanpanusky2531]

As a disabled teen about the same age, this is absolutely disgusting, but unfortunately it happens to disabled girls (and sometime guys) all the time. Also, the r-word is never a good word to use around disabled people.

[@shawntedarty6967]

I'm adhd

[@flo4930]

Retarded is the medical term, if you don't like it tough. Also you can't just self diagnose yourself

[@austindupre478]

@@comserv1 there’s a difference between being lazy and inattentive and having adhd, maybe do some research and you’ll find out just how different our brain chemistry is❤️

[@Clownbunnycosplay]

This is an older episodes (earlier 2000’s) so it was seen as more okay back then- I hate the word too

[@vivianacarrasco9902]

@@comserv1 Adhd isn't a desies

[@MsMelissaAnn]

What a disgusting judge.

[@Animedingo]

Is what he did illegal? Leading the defense to make an appeal? He's clearly biased and already made up his own verdict

[@IamCanadian3333]

@@Animedingo At the very least, I would say unethical. He was clearly enforcing his personal opinion.

[@albireotheredguard1599]

@@Animedingo Judges are supposed to be Impartial. Pretty sure attorneys can have the Judge removed for being Biased.

[@KMDragonS]

@@IamCanadian3333 that ethicality usually goes away when a huge amount of money is involved

[@IamCanadian3333]

@@albireotheredguard1599 It's funny because the reasons judge usually over-rule a jury verdict is if they feel they are prejudiced. Ironically, this judge seems very prejudiced.

[@Keishaaxx]

The audacity to say " did you enjoy it?" "What were you wearing?" DISGUSTING

[@svix01]

Well we would never know if she enjoyed if it wasn't asked. Don't be a hypocrite, higher IQs take advantage of you and you don't even know it and think it is normal.

[@KINGDREX24]

Disgusting

[@Crow_Lover07]

His questions were so inappropriate, in my opinion

[@touwasabra7517]

I audibly gasped when he asked what were u wearing, absolutely disgusting

[@user-mq5dr1jh5t]

but he was right. the matter of what she was wearing was essential to the case. they could use the clothes for Dna collection

[@sakaiahreign3365]

Even though she was curious, there’s no way they should’ve ever touched her. I’m disgusted for Valerie. She doesn’t understand she was sexually violated. They don’t like her, they used her for their own gratification.

[@bonds927]

Just because a person talks a certain way doesn't mean they are mentally disabled. I fully blame the parents for not informing anyone of her condition and putting her in a place she was not mentally capable of handling

[@treroney4720]

Are you arguing Disabled adults can’t give consent

[@sakaiahreign3365]

@@treroney4720 no they can give consent, it’s just this situation reads humiliation for the girl bc they used her like a receptacle.

[@ErenaaLamb]

@@treroney4720 If the disabled adult has a brain of a 12 year old, no. That's literally the point here, not any disability, it's about her being mentally 12.

[@nicholascoob1350]

​@@sakaiahreign3365 Isn't that what she wanted though? She admitted she liked the attention, "It made her feel pretty".

[@enjoyingmyvodka1013]

She had the time of her life?! Even if she was curious she still wasn’t capable of understanding what she was doing !!!!!

[@david.m.304]

I fully agree!

[@korthnanfortuna9675]

I still hate this episode. And I love the series itself. Aside from Micheal being moved after punching that homophobic Politician in the face.

[@hahahaha147]

She understand what she was doing. She thought about doing it all the time according to her.

[@david.m.304]

@@hahahaha147 Thinking about things and understanding the same things are two different things. Don't forget that this is an entertainment show from America (sometimes based on a real event or historical event). In this show those three males are guilty (or would be by Australian Law). It seems that in America a judge can overrule a jury's verdict which in my own personal view is wrong. However, again, remember, this sow is entertainment only and it seems to have a LOT of people angered.

[@jessetm7732]

@@hahahaha147 she said he was bouncing on her. she doesn’t even understand. at 10 years old i was curious about those things too. so a grown man could take advantage of me at that age?

[@Fairfieldfencer]

What's even more sickening is cases like Brock Turner show that judges like this exist.

[@MayTheOddsBeInYourFavor]

Yup

[@amazingabby25]

This was based on a real case, look up Outrage in Glen Ridge 😢

[@MaryettaGraves]

Yup

[@LadyGreyBlack]

@@amazingabby25 The book "Our Guys" really opened my eyes to this case. We had a girl in our high school whom had to be sequestered to the library because she was sexually battered by a male student.

[@AmyLou733]

I came to the comments to say something about the similarity between what the jushe said about her having had the time of her life, and Brock's dad's comment about 20 minutes of action.

[@lilyvalley123]

The sad thing is that her dad was probably making her wear "boring" clothes to prevent this very sort of thing from happening. She probably didn't understand that it was for her own good, which is why she changed her clothes at school.

[@MissyRose94]

@@MrBen51309 Wtf is wrong with you?

[@marianajosemolinaescribano6591]

@@MrBen51309 really? wow

[@OnceShy_TwiceBitten]

@@MrBen51309 huh?

[@jacencade4019]

@@MrBen51309 dumbest KZbin comment.

[@Viclockie19]

@@MrBen51309 Would you be saying the exact same thing if it was your sister? your mother? daughter? what about if it happened to you? How would you feel, being- lets say a 13 year old- parents have gone out and left you with a babysitter, he's fun and lets you stay up past your usual bedtime so you can both play video games or watch movies. but now he has you shoved into the couch and doing all sorts of nasty things to you- and maybe its a small touch like a nail scraping against your arm as you fail to fight him off, but its not going to be something you forget anytime soon. And though you'd promised that you wouldn't tell a soul because if you did then it would be you getting into trouble, not him, you can still feel the heated stares of classmates and the chants of 'its all your fault, you asked for it' will keep repeating over and over in your head.

[@targaryenxmandi]

Seriously? As someone with a learning disability myself, this angers me. Those boys deserve to be guilty.

[@kaylahowell5705]

Agree

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

They were found guilty, but weren't punished, which reinforces the generalized suspicion that the justice system only works for some people. Whether these fictional boys suffer any abstract consequences such as guilt or shame, and whether those things compel anyone to do better, is up for speculation. One hopes that having a 'close call' forces a reconsideration of impulses.

[@victorhrodriguez1159]

daniela: My regards to Nicolae Ceaucescu

[@mspionage1743]

They did nothing wrong. She came on to them, she dressed in the way to attract them, she pursued them, etc. Her retardation is on her parent to deal with, not for others to adapt to and recognize. They aren't experts, how the hell can a 15 year old be expected to identify rtards by a few sentences. If that were the case then they shouldn't be at the same school as others as it makes it unfair for those who are there to learn but also have to deal with that type of nuisance around that may get them blamed for something.

[@WiIdbiII]

Settle down chickypoo. It's just a show. Besides that, a learning disability is nowhere near this level.

[@RoZaSims]

The questions that man's asking her are disgusting and upsetting. I get that it's his job to defend the boys, but it still makes my stomach churn. And the fact that the judge not only allowed all of those questions, but clearly WANTED the boys to win. The ending of this clip is ridiculous. What a twisted human being. I know it's only a show of course, but judges like this do exist. That girl is chronologically 18 years old, but in her mind she's more like 10. She's a 10-year-old mind with a teenager's body and hormones. That's extremely dangerous and these boys took advantage of that, and the judge completely dismissed it. Disgusting.

[@DankestOfHills]

Before I reply to this, I want you to disregard my username. First, currently, I work as an investigator and at times defense will win on technicalities. I've worked with a lot of lawyers before and have talked to a lot of defense attorneys and when I ask them, why they ask such demining questions some have told me "its innocent till proven guilty, it's my job to make sure you're doing your job, not taking short cuts, or got the wrong person for the crime".

[@hahahaha147]

I disagree. I think she wanted it and liked it. These boyd are dead wrong for taking advantage of her. But I don’t believe they should have went to prison for it. The girl obviously wanted her back blown out. And i refuse to put all the blame on the young men.

[@mahi93162]

Omg the comment in your comment section is so ignorant, I hope they go to jail. No one can consent if they have a mental illness or disability that makes it hard for them to acknowledge what they’re doing. Anyway I agree with you

[@neen2660]

@@hahahaha147 you’re simply wrong

[@savannahhague4989]

@@Sandstimes i agree. Temple Grandin was autistic but she’s a genius. People shouldn’t infantilize those in the spectrum, they should take what Temple says about autism and actually use her research and experience. People, disabled or not can grow and mature depending on whether or not someone teaches them.

[@randomcontent7735]

Misogyny is a nasty for all women and girls. But for those with disabilities it’s terrifying. I’m neurodivergent and found myself in this hell of being assaulted.

[@tonyisnotdead]

assault isn't misogyny. that's like saying jeffery dahmer was racist because a lot of his victims were black

[@LoopsXP]

Misogyny? Oh c'mon it's any disabled person even men who get treated the same

[@amaraokoli2799]

@@LoopsXP women sexually assault disabled men? How many cases have you seen of that

[@midoriya_izumi8806]

@@amaraokoli2799 Ok, good point, what does hatred towards women (misogyny) have to do with that?

[@marko-do9lz]

@@chrisdawson1776 aint no way you just called someone a snowflake because they’re not like you and don’t wanna be raped

[@Mr2000]

i went to college with a girl like this. she very much had the mind of a child but she was curious. freshman year a few guys took advantage of her state. luckily a few other female students took her under their wing and she joined a sorority and was able to have a normal life. last i checked she was living at a group home after it was deemed she couldn't function alone.

[@jfast8256]

I joined the military when I was 25. A female the age of 28 with the same mental capacity as what was portrayed in this joined at about the same time (28 with the mental capacity of a 16 year old). We had the same rate (job). She very much slept with ANYONE who was willing, which was very few people. I'm pretty disgusted at the few guys who were willing. No, I don't think they knew she was mentally challenged. Her parents did everything in their power to help her get through the checks of being recognized as mentally challenged so she could pretend to live a normal life.

[@JoeCnNd]

How did she get into college?

[@Mr2000]

She applied. Lol!😂

[@ericpetteway3841]

Same question I had

[@xcelestialsongx]

​@@JoeCnNdIt's possible for a person to have developmental delays but still be able to study and get good grades.

[@Rachhlaur]

The girl is a good actress. Really convincing

[@s.p.8803]

She later played in "6 Feet Under" where she was also very good.

[@sharonrigs7999]

@@s.p.8803 6 Feet Under was the best show of early 2000's

[@shevahauser1780]

omg yes

[@123leemur]

Yes. This is not an easy role to play especially saying that monologue in front of so many other actors.

[@anikaevanson6578]

I'm pretty sure it's the same lady from The Servant on Apple TV. She's good on that show

[@denisenoe7746]

That judge had no business overriding the jury's verdict.

[@miasherry6000]

@@thunderhead9221 aint you the dude that harassed and stalked that girl? STFU

[@scarlettethorp5864]

@@thunderhead9221 why???

[@thunderhead9221]

@@scarlettethorp5864 because we all know gd well that if there genders were swapped there would have been NO case~

[@Transylvania-kv4sg]

@@thunderhead9221 So she;s wrong because double standards exist? It would have been wrong, regardless.

[@thunderhead9221]

@@Transylvania-kv4sg well....I wasn't looking at that~

[@ceciasa3376]

WTH?! The Jury ruled them as guilty and the Judge just lets those guys off the hook? Is that even allowed?

[@abduljah9355]

Definitely. A NY judge can always set aside a jury's verdict of guilty if they don't think the jury followed the law or if they believe that the prosecutor presented the minimum amount of evidence. This can be used to inject bias into the system though...

[@ceciasa3376]

@@abduljah9355 Geez. I can sympathize with Mccoy feeling upset about this.

[@jacksonfuller8158]

sadly it is....judges have way to much power with little to no over sight

[@kettch777]

Yes, it's called a directed verdict, and it's only allowed to overturn a guilty verdict (cannot overturn a not guilty verdict.) Essentially, it's supposed to act as a stopgap to protect defendants who draw a biased jury who vote guilty when, in the judge's opinion, the prosecution failed to prove a crime was committed.

[@lenawagenfuehr53]

Yes. They do this a couple of times on Law and Order. They even have the attorneys ask "can he do this?" and apparently, yes, a judge can.

[@GothicAngel11037]

Im an autistic male and I've sadly been taken advantage of twice by women Once when i was 6 and once when i was 9 and seriously it will ALWAY stick with me and personally it made me somewhat scared of women (beside my mother and grandmother) and I honestly can understand what the girl went through and i feel HORRIBLE

[@eyeballsoup3276]

I’m so sorry that happened to you :( Be strong 💜

[@DJoy221]

I am so sorry that, that happened to you. People are absolutely awful and the women who did this to you are evil. I truly hope you are doing well ❤

[@outis439-A]

Okay you need to feel confidence in yourself- strength. Then you hopefully won’t be afraid of women.

[@florinaslan5482]

Honestly some women are just horrible

[@Luna-so6dm]

This should have never happened to you, what people do, what those women did, is disgusting and are the reason it is so difficult to live as yourself in this world.

[@d.o.gsmama3726]

This judge is a joke who cares what she was wearing what she was doing she didn't say yes and she doesn't understand what she was doing they took advantage of her.

[@biruss]

The judge latwr was killed for trying to pick up a 17 year old, by her father. Nolo prosecutere

[@HouseHoldAdventures]

This isnt a real show

[@trentmorrison6074]

I wonder if this was to depict the fact that not all judges are good intent. There are horrible judges in real life. This episode could be a way to depict those types of judges.

[@jimreadey4837]

@@HouseHoldAdventures Oh, this was a real show, all right... a 6-time Emmy winner, in fact.

[@jitterrypokery1526]

She was of age and she gave consent, legally they were in the right as those are the legal minimum, she wasn’t intoxicated. Now ethically is an entire different question since it’s in regards to whether disabled people can consent and in what situations are those disabilities, especially intellectual ones handled

[@lithara5302]

The fact the judge asked the defendants lawyer to make a motion even though the kids were found guilty is gross. Most judges would have agreed or been satisfied with the verdict.

[@constantdisappointment5658]

We all know it's because the Judge thought the victim was hot, and didn't want to feel guilty because she was intellectually a child. He was ready to hear her describe what she was wearing during the assault 😖

[@bonds927]

@@constantdisappointment5658 what is wrong with you

[@daxc9332]

@@bonds927 there's nothing wrong with him he is honestly telling the truth

[@bonds927]

@@daxc9332 no he's not, the judge is doing his job but both of you are too blind to see it. You rather see the judge as a pervert than blame the laws 😡

[@daxc9332]

@@bonds927 the judge was being a creep did you not watch the video

[@Mia-fg2ik]

the most depressing thing about this is that she even apologised to them for telling everyone

[@Alice-si8uz]

Which is proof of her incapacity to consent... even the way she behaved in general and the way she spoke about what happened. It's also disgusting in general all they auctually did was penetration even if the other issues weren't involved.

[@girl1213]

"She had the time of her life." Weeks, and even months later, judge wonders why his home is constantly vandalized.

[@lawrenceragnarok1186]

No judge would ever say that, this show was so ridiculous

[@ninobeano7627]

@@lawrenceragnarok1186judges have and still will

[@lawrenceragnarok1186]

@@ninobeano7627 actually no they don't, you can't nane one judge that's ever talked this way

[@Mojo-w6p]

​@@ninobeano7627 examples?

[@ninobeano7627]

@@Mojo-w6p It seems, on the evidence, that this child has not suffered as a result of these offences” - Judge Hutton, talking about an 8 year old girl who had been sexually abused for a year by a convicted child molester.

[@Salvia_Salvation]

"She was curious about her sexuality." Yes, and children are too. Curiosity does NOT make it okay.

[@twistedkarma9574]

EXACTLY, they should keep her away from normal people

[@filipeflower]

@@twistedkarma9574 What normal people?

[@marko-do9lz]

@@twistedkarma9574 dude what

[@mcreemuffins]

@@twistedkarma9574excuse me what

[@stephaniegormley9982]

It was OK only in the limited context of what the boys may have been thinking. They might very well have not known how wrong they were. But the judge s/have known better and not thrown out the verdict. I don't know WHY they're allowed to do that. Not just this case but other cases too. The defendant has waived their right to a bench trial and wants a trial of "their peers"

[@jordangirbaud9682]

The judge was just enjoying her story that's how sick you can be even if you're at the top position

[@bonds927]

No he was given the evidence and no evidence proved she said no or the boys knew she was mentally disabled. The fucked up thing is you cane to that conclusion. How do we not know it was you who enjoyed the story?

[@shiralleehaggart72]

If this was real life I bet that judge would have no doubt had child sexual content on his laptop as well.

[@parkourpotato6066]

A lot of people don't realize that this type of injustice happens literally all the time

[@Disneyfan82]

Why doesn't anyone stop it and do something about it?

[@JeniKayla]

@@Disneyfan82 I think because most people just go by the arbitrary age of 18 being considered an “adult” so people generally think: under 18 = innocent, needs protection, don’t understand and once 18 hit, they understand completely, they’re an adult and can do what they want, no protection ect

[@postpwnmalone]

@@Disneyfan82 I assume you're referencing the crooked judge throwing out the case and it's because it must be proven that malpractice took place. In this specific case, what the judge said at the end would be enough for some sort of action

[@011KiKi]

This is such a grey area even today. I worked with mentally disabled adults. They are allowed to be sexual and express it. But for us workers it’s hard to see because they often become victims online and irl predators. Legally, they are adults, but mentally they are children.

[@kaliashot99]

That’s why I avoid the whole thing by not getting into romantic relationships with mentally disabled people 😌.

[@augustible9151]

@@kaliashot99 I'm autistic, by your label "mentally disabled". I am a full grown adult and the only thing coming off your statement comes off as nothing but ignorant. Being "mentally disabled" doesn't automatically enable you into having the mental complicity of a child. Fucking yikes.

[@trinitylivingston1286]

@@kaliashot99 or with people at all. Jk, but seriously though, when you're younger and don't fully understand that some of your peers have different brain developmental ages like their mind is like a childs mind, it becomes harder too. One of my guy friends has severe autism to where his mind is of a childs but I didn't fully understand that at the time and I kinda thought he was cute. Yea, at the time I remember alot of people (adults) basically discouraging it. Looking back now, I'm glad they intervened.

[@A5H_01]

@@kaliashot99 Miss out then. I'm sure you'll find someone as awful as yourself

[@ashikana21]

My mom also worked with disabled adults and sometimes she'd get sexually harassed or she'd have to intervene when other ones would get harassed. Her adoptive brother has a son who's a high-functioning autistic and he used to make severely inappropriate remarks about my sister and me when we were underage, and we stopped going to family things with them. Sadly, there's a huge grey area with development.

[@jonathancineus6424]

This case was emotionally upsetting and the verdict was even more extremely enraging. And the fact that this was inspired by true events is infuriating.

[@bonds927]

The judge goes by the evidence provided and the only evidence the prosecutor provided was "well she talked slow so you should've easily knew she was mentally disabled"

[@brockreynolds870]

Why? This girl was of legal age... aparrently from her mental status, this is the way she is always going to be. Are we supposed to force her to be celibate her entire life, deny her any possibility of physical love?

[@bobarcher5837]

The people in the real case were convicted though. They're sentences were ridiculously light in my opinion and they are out, but they did serve prison time for it unlike in this case

[@Nepthu]

The fact that it "enraged" you shows this was great storytelling. The writers wanted you to see it as "evil triumphs." That's why it left the audience raw.

[@tabathaalshalhoub1653]

@@brockreynolds870”this girl was of legal age” Bro. 🤮🤮🤮

[@sarahblake5470]

my friend told me about how in her elementary school, there was a disabled girl and that this one boy would have her lie down on a table and inappropriately touch her. it's really disgusting how people take advantage of those who are weak

[@CrusaderKnight2000]

From the sound of it, it may be even worse than it seems. Since boys that young don't have any sexuality, they wouldn't do this unless an adult was doing it to them or they saw an adult do it to someone else. Meaning, the boy may have been molested and learned the behavior from a pedophile.

[@johannaashwood6449]

It's true. I read somewhere that patients in extended periods of coma especially women are sexually abused and several end up pregnant as a result. That's why I told my mom that at no point am I to be left alone if I ever end up in a coma.

[@aardvarkbiscuit2677]

A similar thing happened at my high school. It happened once and the perpetrator spent quite a long time in the hospital with very serious life threatening injuries. That family moved out of the area soon after as their son was a dead man walking at that point. This was in the eighties. I would like to think that men/boys still exist that mete out appropriate justice when necessary.

[@basillah7650]

happens to men as well like in the old days female nurses would get them hard when they are passed out by the meds and get pregnant then when they die lie about being their girlfriend to get their stuff and paycheck from the armed forces which is why they are so hard on the marriage part.

[@darkracer1252]

@@johannaashwood6449 sadly the same is true for the morgue. (except for the pregancy bit) you will find news items of morticians going to jail for desecrating a body like that

[@sneakyquick]

Taking advantage of people is the most cruel and evil thing you can do.

[@alahshattuck9144]

So just because she wore a crop top and mini skirt , that makes it okay for 3 boys to take advantage of her and knowing she has a condition??🤔oh okay

[@lkb-il8iy]

Thank you! There’s this thing called self-control

[@dreidon1768]

Too bad self control doesn't exist.

[@char4636]

Exactly! So many comments saying it was OK cos of her clothes or she was curious. I was curious at 13 but it didn't mean I wanted to do anything smh

[@lkb-il8iy]

@@dreidon1768 For most people anyway

[@bonds927]

Just because a person talks a certain way doesn't mean they are mentally disabled

[@graysonsebert23]

I can’t describe the rage I felt when he asked, “Did you enjoy it?” Literal rage.

[@sharonjensen3016]

There's a judge like that in the film "Peppermint." It doesn’t end well for that particular judge.

[@stephaniegormley9982]

My son's autistic. I don't blame the defense lawyer too much for that. It's part of his defense and absent questions like that, this conviction could be easily overturned on appeal, citing an inadequate defense. What boils my blood is the judge egging on the boys lawyer by asking him if he wanted a motion to vacate the verdict and that lawyer initially balks. Only after more encouragement he does request and the judge dismisses, not asking but claiming she enjoyed it.

[@localchumb]

chill brah

[@bryanp5843]

Just make sure not to take it out on your gf

[@gabbylopez9091]

I felt rage too. Of *course* she's going to say it made her feel pretty, but that doesn't mean she enjoyed it or asked for it! Those boys knew what they were doing and so did the judge and the defense attorney!

[@TayaStanley]

When I saw this episode, when the judge throughout the verdict, I felt my heart dropped the pit of my stomach. I feel so sorry for Valerie. What really surprised me is that her sister, Sally didn't want them to get away with it and wanted to kill them. Accidentally shooting a teacher. I understand what Sally did was to justify for what happened to her sister and she didn’t deserve it.

[@jayjaymelon8578]

the episode ended with this?? they just lost thats it??

[@minskacatral7904]

One of the most wrenching things about Law & Order was that they would show the reality that the good guys don’t always win.

[@TayaStanley]

@@minskacatral7904 So right

[@schadenfreude000]

This is disgraceful. Whether she "enjoyed" it or not is IRRELEVANT. She cannot consent, and their laughter and the fact they told her to keep quiet is proof that they knew she couldn't consent.

[@ChristineLagacee]

Everyone's a poor victim these days

[@YThates]

This is why I love Law and Order, they show you even the most messed up things that can happen in a court room, such as the line of questioning and the judge's responses. I'm an adult and I still am haunted by my s/ual abuse case from when I was a child. At the time I did not understand the severity and the situation because I was too young but everything stuck with me and man. There really are awful judges out there. I remember having judge judy (the famous one we all know) and she was disgusting, apparently didn't believe a teenager can r/pe a child as young as 4 years old or even 6 or 8 years old and that it could be consensual.

[@ghastlytree5864]

I’m sorry that happened to you as a kid. But as disgusting as it sounds, what the judge said at the end was not incorrect 😢

[@YThates]

@@ghastlytree5864 What I'm saying is. It is impossible for a child to consent to stuff like that. That's why they need to be groomed and manipulated. Unfortunately the judge thought that children do have the ability to consent to stuff like that.

[@Roderickthegray]

I am so sorry 😞

[@Alici_Evans]

Sorry to make you explain, but did you mean she thought it counted as consensual or she didn’t? Sorry again, I have bad comprehension skills. You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to.

[@PrincessKLS]

🤯

[@andrewblanchard2398]

there was a real case like this in NEW YORK STATE back in the 1990's where a 21 year old guy raped a 17 year old girl and because of the law regarding consent because she was intoxicated with the alcohol that he gave to her to drink , she was unable to legally able to consent , he was released by the judge but the jury of 6 men & 6 women declared him GUILTY & on appeal he was retried & sentenced to 5 years in prison

[@victoriaherndon6857]

Not nearly long enough

[@Augiegrl12]

@@victoriaherndon6857 agreed

[@comserv1]

@@victoriaherndon6857 oh I'm sure he had a good time for 5 years though.

[@christhomas1289]

That’s different that’s a man who raped a girl she’s not 18 years so she can’t consent.

[@ericbieber3074]

This is based on the Glen Ridge NJ case in 1989. The actual case was more brutal, if I remember correctly

[@sachinupadhya1562]

Wow, just wow, I'm disturbed, mind shattering that effin stupid judge, it scares me there are real ones like him all over the world!

[@Qwerty-ts9sl]

The fact they also used a soda bottle on her and the judge had the audacity to overturn their conviction is just so ludicrous

[@shiralleehaggart72]

Their characters looked sadistic along with that perv minded judge.

[@MidnightMoonday]

The fact that there are lawyers out there actually defending boys like this, asking questions like this, getting paid for it.....it makes my blood curdle.

[@WillmobilePlus]

Yeah, having a trial by jury, and the right to a defense, just sucks, huh? That right is what kept actual innocent men out of prison just because a woman accused them of something.

[@matheussandbakk9959]

Well the defendant has the right to a lawyer, no matter what they did. And the lawyers job is try and defend and reduce the sentence as much as possibly no matter what they personally believe

[@catherinethorstenberg8957]

Unfortunately that is the lawyers’ job. What’s really sad is there are juries who buy it

[@amoose1709]

It's litteraly their job.

[@Gameboy-Unboxings]

@@amoose1709 *literally 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@jeffrowisdabest]

I never understood why we allow judges to just toss out the will of the people and make their own decisions in the end. What's the point in even having a jury?

[@CoreReactionz]

Money money money.

[@alarrim29574]

It’s supposed to be for cases of jury’s that are prejudiced but that definitely wasn’t the case here

[@actual_doge3221]

Justice is subjective and open to interpretation. Slavery was acceptable 200 years ago, now it is not. In the past it was expected, (encouraged even) to flog slaves who 'misbehaved.' But that is abhorrent by today's society.

[@clorindatine2610]

Even though they judge some aren't right to judge from what's clearly right and wrong. It's voice of opinion yeah but it's common sense on who's side to take

[@GeorgeEugeneBarrett]

What if the jurors were clearly bigoted? This is an important right of any trial judge to overrule a jury if he feels justice has been perverted.

[@connormclaughlin5450]

Working with vulnerable people this made me sick

[@denisenoe7746]

Same here.

[@KYR0M1LSAP]

ok but why is nobody talking about the fact that those boys put a soda bottle inside of her and laughed about, knowing it probably hurt like hell ☹️☹️

[@Imfromtheportlandorarea]

True

[@Imnothere2861]

“She had the time of her life” yea I would’ve went to prison that day for murder of a judge. Who df says sh!t like that? GROSS!

[@gearsmashking6880]

As the older brother of a mentally challenged person, this angers me. Granted, he's a guy and my brother. But, I hate it when some people go "Oh, well, they said it was okay, so there's no harm done." Meanwhile, the victim is left hanging in the wind and doesn't fully understand what's really happening. Besides, if the jury said guilty and all the evidence has been displayed proving a guilty verdict, shouldn't that be the end of it?!

[@bonds927]

As a person who has been called retarded multiple times for the way they hear my voice, I'm tired of people instantly jumping to the conclusion that if you talk funny that you're mentally disabled

[@anthonyfernandez82]

What's the relevance of his gender?

[@gearsmashking6880]

@@anthonyfernandez82 I don't remember where I heard it from, but I heard that mentally challenged men aren't as easy to manipulate and persuade as women. The reason why I made it relevant was because that isn't true and I've had this argument before. Both are equally vulnerable to manipulation and persuasion, regardless of gender. Plus, my brother and I don't look alike at all, so I'm used to pointing that out when asked.

[@AliceNotFromWonderland]

When she said they told her not to tell anybody and then she said sorry I felt heartbroken. They took advantage of her and nothing was done about it, what a sick judge

[@matthewvoss7365]

I love how McCoy hammered on them for trying to keep the victim quiet.

[@Suzuha_Amane]

She had alot of fun

[@NyanSukaato]

​@@Suzuha_Amanedigital footprint

[@leithjohnston6500]

the fact things like this actually happen is so disgusting and judges like that should loose licenses

[@joelgrea6654]

They should go to jail.

[@cameroncorrosive925]

@7:55 the judge says " she had the time of her life" that line almost made me want to puke.

[@ventaliq]

same wtf

[@parkerlaufenberg470]

That's hot

[@JJWolford]

It's sadly true.

[@shiralleehaggart72]

Bet if this had been real life he would have been put on the register as he sounded like a pervert.

[@chayo4537]

Multiple things can be true at the same times.

[@irawilliams343]

"She had the time of her life." When the judge said that, I was just utterly disgusted. He's one misogynistic coot.

[@fleabaggins]

Seriously, I was repulsed by most of the dialogue defending the rapist’s actions, but that one pushed me over the edge.

[@deitykinggosu261]

its funny i would

[@Schinzo__]

W judge

[@Shockkings0714]

She probably did

[@irawilliams343]

@@Shockkings0714 has anyone ever told you that you're disgusting?

[@mangersavoir4213]

McCoy: She has the mind of a child! Judge: She's curious about her sexuality. Me: So???!!!

[@edithputhy4948]

Children do get serious about their sexuality but that doesn't make them old enough to consent bc of their underdeveloped decision-making abilities

[@mangersavoir4213]

@@edithputhy4948 That's why I said SO?

[@edithputhy4948]

@@mangersavoir4213 yeah I was agreeing with you

[@lovelyswimmer1]

This was disturbing to watch, especially the description of the assault.

[@shanefsr6609]

so my boner is wrong?!,

[@houseviking4352]

So the judge himself gave an out to the defendant. That's a clear case of mistrial, where the judge took partiality in the defendants. He wouldn't have given that exit key to the girl.

[@benjamintribe4652]

I bet if it was his daughter the case would have been a different outcome!!

[@lkb-il8iy]

@@benjamintribe4652 Most definitely

[@bonds927]

@@benjamintribe4652 if his daughter was in the case he wouldn't be the judge due to a personal connection to the victim

[@benjamintribe4652]

@@bonds927 I'm quite aware of that!!.... I was coming from perspective of if the judge was her father he would've made sure to hold those boys accountable for there actions not that he would be the actual judge presiding over said case because obviously it would be a conflict of interest but I'm pretty sure he would've fought tooth and nail to get some sort of retribution if it were the other way around ya feel me!!💯

[@bonds927]

@@benjamintribe4652 clearly you don't know what a judge's job is, the judge seen no actual evidence that proves the boys took advantage of her nor did they prove she tried to stop it. Maybe if the defendant provided more evidence besides "you talked to her so you should've known she was mentally disabled." The defense was able to prove the school did nothing to protect her nor provide information that she was mentally disabled

[@LoveForChile]

That judge practically screamed “ask me to dismiss and I’ll do it”. So unprofessional. And him saying a disabled girl with the mind of a child had “the time of her life”…that’s just disgusting 🤮

[@ericamissejackson438]

Very

[@AnimatedBlast]

Even the lawyer was like what?

[@JaylukKhan]

Saying a disabled girl has the mind of a child is disgusting.

[@samwilson3d]

The youngest person I could find to ever be tried as an adult for murder was 10. Maybe we should make up our minds what an adult is.

[@AnimatedBlast]

Yeah, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, it was ruled that they should’ve been tried as kid

[@madelinevlogs5898]

This is so sad. Being sexually abused is my worst fear as a young disabled woman. I can be too naive and trusting because of my autism and I don’t want someone to take advantage of it

[@Markkain777]

This may sound hyper-vigilant but honestly as someone who's a fem autistic and has been taken advantage of multiple times by men I thought were my friends until we were alone together, I try not to be alone with men altogether unless we are on an official date and I already like him and trust him to behave

[@nozzatron01gaming11]

yea its sad how some mentally disabled Men, and Women are treated

[@JaylukKhan]

Yeah, I call bullshit. I'm autistic and we are fully capable of consenting. This episode is trash.

[@jitterrypokery1526]

Then be verbal with consent or not? Simple and then in the situation where you didn’t give consent you were raped. It’s simple as that

[@alfa1134]

Vigilante justice is looking more appealing now, isn't it, McCoy? WTFH is with that judge?!

[@cromano6830]

What did the judge do wrong? He was right

[@raitchison]

@@cromano6830 For one thing judges are supposed to be impartial, this judge literally (and repeatedly) prompted the defense attorney to make a motion to give him the opportunity to throw out the jury verdict.

[@mikhailthegreatestdragon3627]

@@cromano6830 Literally nothing in this was right, what are you smoking

[@TheBeingReal]

Ah yes. Kill if you disagree.

[@crono276]

@@mikhailthegreatestdragon3627 Based on what they said, Cromano agrees with it

[@mariaselinamondragon5677]

So by what I understand the judge pretty much said "If you have the mind of a child and just happen to be curious then it's morally okay for people to do things to you" I am disturbed and disgusted🤮

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Don't forget: of legal age. Yeah, judge was depicted as a bit pervy, maybe its the choice of words in the script.

[@edithputhy4948]

@@tvtitlechampion3238 that's the point, she has the mind of a prepubescent child but the body of a teenager

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

@@edithputhy4948 exactly: legitimate consent. If her character was depicted as underage, it'd be very different, wouldn't it? It's like when you turn 18, it's 'you shoulda known better'. There's a reason why minors and impaired people can justifiably escape binding contracts; because they can't legally give consent. Her ability to make decisions, her agency, is flawed. Funny, there are dudes on here trying to exculpate the boys, because she and people like her have a right to 'get busy', if you will. It's a totally libertarian line of thinking, and it sure seems dudes like them want to create easy targets for later exploitation by removing protections. Too bad that gullibility becomes a legal issue, huh?. 'Winners and losers! It's the way of a cold, cruel world!' Sheesh...

[@jeremynewcombe3422]

TV Title Champion tbf that libertarian harm principle is one of the pillars of the justice system. Criminal procedure is about preventing harm being done unto others. But there are also other ideas of how the system should run. One is the state acting as a paternal guiding force, ensuring society fits certain moral standards in the name of public interest. R v Brown (1994) shows the complexities of this principle in action. Even between consenting adults, performing sadomasochistic acts against each other still consisted of assault. There was harm, but they wanted the harm. Does it still constitute harm? Should a state interfere in the private morality of individuals if it considers it against society’s moral interests? Going back to this case, there’s two interpretations. As you said, under the libertarian harm principle, there’d be little ground to convict the boys, given she enjoyed it, of course. (I’m not making any assumptions about the girl in this specific instance. This is more of a thought experiment at large.) Under the paternal approach, the state would have the right to throw the book at the boys, for doing something so egregiously wrong as sleeping with an effective minor. Did she like it? Doesn’t matter. A slight difference in understanding of justice, and the state’s role, makes all the difference in how this case should be approached. The difference between guilty and innocent. I just find it fascinating.

[@alcoholandfun243]

Vigilante justice is not looking too bad just now.

[@Action_Figure_King]

Add the judge to that list.

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Beware of slippery slopes. It might feel right or justified, but retribution for the revenge has to be considered, too. The rush to 'justice' is seductive as hell when you're feeling something that has to be considered soberly.

[@victorhrodriguez1159]

@@Action_Figure_King No, the prosecutor

[@avantikamathur4387]

@@victorhrodriguez1159 why because he wants to follow the law?

[@mrabc5092]

Do you hold same view on female teacher with juvenile b0ys??

[@AmyNapsALot]

Jesus, what the hell is this case? “Did you enjoy it?” “What were you wearing?” Nevermind the disability, what the hell kind of question is that? In a court?

[@SamuelDanielStrikesAgain]

The Judge was a weirdo; I cant believe they have this much power.

[@aggressiveattitudeera887]

"Damaged". One of the hardest episodes to watch. Bad all the way around. These pricks get away with what they did to this poor girl thanks to that butthole judge. Lennie's daughter is murdered at the end. Just bad. Real bad.

[@MsGothlover]

That's bullshit! The judge even showed a lack of morality and compassion as a judge and a human to the people of the disabled child too!🤬

[@dreamendles4828]

wait is that how the episode ends? didn't prosecution appeal?

[@lloydpassafume5357]

Yeah, season 8 was the show's darkest season. The episodes felt much more disturbing. It's some of the most compelling TV I've ever seen.

[@aggressiveattitudeera887]

@@dreamendles4828 Yes, and the aforementioned butthole judge outright dismissed it.

[@designercreep7823]

Same thing happened to my special needs sister. The only way the guys got away with is she said they were her boyfriends

[@carolinpurayidom4570]

Sorry that happened to her pray she heals and she gets justice

[@nimloc1670]

I'm sorry that happened to her, people are disgusting.

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Man, guys like that should be put on a sidebar DO NOT TRUST list. Tell if I'm wrong, but it sounds like she didn't conceive of being exploited; hope that sweet innocence doesn't get corrupted.

[@cosmokramer179]

Sorry for what’s happened to her. No one deserves that

[@sakaiahreign3365]

I’m so sorry.

[@pihlajafox]

I must admit that we cant really say that disabled people shouldn't be in sexual activities ever. In this case she said that she thinks about suff like that, humans are usually interested about that stuff. The problem is how to make sure it wont turn into similar situation like this is, where someone just takes advantage of her

[@minilla3842]

Depends on mental age

[@generichuman2044]

I know this is fictional, but knowing stuff like this has actually happened to people is sickening. The acting in this scene was very good and actually made me recoil and cringe. Humanity is truly messed up sometimes

[@soup3005]

Their acting is flawless, especially hers.

[@butterflybunnyunicorn2518]

Lauren Ambrose is such a brilliant actress, she was amazing on Six Feet Under and nowadays you can see her on the tv show Servant.

[@Fablemaner]

@@butterflybunnyunicorn2518 Is that the girl from Can't Hardly Wait.

[@user-mq5dr1jh5t]

@@Fablemaner i thought that was torch from GI but no

[@darrilmiller8167]

This reminds me of the case of the 12 year old girl that was raped and a certain first lady got the pervert off. The worst part was how she said that the little girl was into the old man.

[@ElectronFieldPulse]

What first Lady? What's the story behind that?

[@darrilmiller8167]

@@ElectronFieldPulse Clinton when was practicing law in Arkansas.

[@glasgowwill7061]

@@darrilmiller8167 not surprised in the slightest

[@duckhawkninja3614]

I don’t like Clinton, but you do know that’s a defense attorney’s job, right? Like you do know lawyers aren’t allowed to turn against their clients even if they know their clients are guilty, right?

[@minutemansam1214]

@@duckhawkninja3614 If a lawyer knows their client is guilty they are obligated to resign their position. They can't breach attorney-client privilege (except in Massachusetts, where a defense attorney is obligated to inform the court if their client admits guilt), but they are also not allowed to lie for their client.

[@medranochav]

raise your boys correctly, PLEASE

[@justicejakober5506]

Raise them like gentlemen

[@frijidmeatwad5253]

Right, because females have never raped before -🙄

[@burningsnow9870]

I'm not familiar with criminal law but I'm not entirely sure the judge could have dismissed the case on a whim like that after a jury verdict had been reached. Please see second comment attached. They can but under certian guidelines

[@burningsnow9870]

Correction, they can. However the application here on the basis of lack of evidence doesn't seem reasonable even for the situation. I'm fully aware this is a drama show foremost but the judges personal opinion on the matter deciding the motion to dismiss is problematic. It does happen irl but here with the "political correctness" line in the show it makes it seem like the judge is doing so out of personal preference rather than a severe lack of evidence.

[@andrewblanchard2398]

TRUMP'S & MOSCOW MITCH'S handpicked judges refused to BREAK THE LAW to let TRUMP get away with his crimes because not only would he be convicted on appeal , the judges would have to testify under oath as to why they dismissed his cases without trials the cases were lawsuits THE TRUMP FAMILY are facing in multiple courts including for : ⬇ EMBEZZLEMENT FRAUD NOT PAYING VICTIMS NOT PAYING COURT FEES BASIC CONTRACT VIOLATIONS if the RIGHT WING JUDGES simply dismissed those cases then they'd be facing CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS that could cost them their jobs

[@burningsnow9870]

@@andrewblanchard2398 Unrealated but okay. I have no love for either but this isn't the place for that

[@SellavinAtoms]

I can't help but feel sorry for the poor girl been taking advantage of like that and for the record I hate the judge too.

[@burningsnow9870]

@@SellavinAtoms Thats law sadly. I currently am studying to be a paralegal and one of the things that tend to be tricky is the concept of truth and beyond a reasonable doubt. Remember that these are dramatic impressions on our legal system and may be hyperbolic for the sake of entertainment. The whole case in this episode was extremely grey and unclear, and to play devils advocate, it would be hard for guys that age to understand the limitations of her comprehension. Especially if the school environment possess a large variation of mentally developmentally impared students. That's not to say the girl in this portrayal asked for it or deserved justice (btw mwah to the actors here) but it shows how our legal system can play out. Something like this may not be extremely common but it does happen.

[@davidburton7466]

i know its only a tv show but if a judge can overrule a jury's decision what is the point of a jury in the first place ?

[@grcarie]

He cannot do it with impunity. He risks being impeached or entirely disbarred, and also facing jail time, if it can be proven that he did not have a legal or ethical reason for doing so.

[@68404]

The jury makes a decision on the facts of the case. The judge is there to ensure the law is followed. The judge can overrule a jury's verdict if he feels it is unsafe or outside the law.

[@swimfast724]

I'VE NEVER BEEN THIS ANGRY ABOUT A TV SHOW THIS JUDGE SHOULD BE LOCKED UP

[@yareliswrld]

Im seriously in tears . I couldn’t imagine my daughter going through this 💔

[@bonds927]

I would hope you would never put your daughter in this situation. They should've never taken her out of her disability classes

[@ROLNIKxPL]

she'd have time of her life tho

[@peepeepoopoo6053]

@@ROLNIKxPL wow, so edgy

[@nopenope7572]

@@ROLNIKxPL ew just ew

[@d.o.gsmama3726]

Judge's like this really do exist 🤦‍♀️😤😫

[@lenawagenfuehr53]

And they're on the Supreme Court

[@amazingabby25]

Yep, it’s a real case and this was the our ome

[@jq7073]

Which is why we need to do a whole reform on our politics and all the old people need to go

[@craighealy4069]

I hate that he asked her very personal questions like what she was wearing and what she thought about those boys did not intentionally commit an offence but they were harmfully reckless and their reaction at the end didn’t seem like when they were acquitted it’s not reliefs it’s bragging that they got away with it

[@sarcasticbutclassysagittar444]

The “ what were you wearing ?” Made me sick.. as a victim of SA myself as a child… it was one of the questions that I was asked.. I was 9, and the person who asked?? My adoptive mother after her ex husband violated me..she packed my bags for me for every weekend visitation ( after the divorce).. not that it matters, but asking a victim what they were wearing when they were violated is disgusting.

[@kaleighbrendle8373]

I’m a disabled teen looking to be an attorney. Listening to this judge speak made me so angry. Disgusting

[@MrBen51309]

So you're incapable of consenting but have the mental capacity to study law? Strange

[@crazyrhythms54]

@@MrBen51309believe it or not, there are disabled people who aren’t necessarily intellectually disabled. -sincerely, an actually autistic person

[@scarlettgrey1529]

@@MrBen51309 we both know that's not what they meant, don't be dense

[@mcreemuffins]

@@MrBen51309don’t be stupid

[@disconnectedt.v2516]

Are we gonna ignore that the jury all agreed guilty and the judge own persona belief was like “nah”

[@Perseus7567]

I mean, the reasons for him dismissing it was wrong: "She enjoyed it" is obviously a ludicrously outdated point of view. But him dismissing the case wasn't. There was minimal to no evidence presented suggesting the boys actually did do the thing. There's no way in a million years a Jury should or would convict on such an obvious "he said, she said" scenario. It's like Jury 101 that says there actually has to be something other than hearsay before you vote guilty. But the Jurors did it anyway based on their own personal beliefs, which is why New York judges get and should use such exceptions. And that's exactly why this episode was smart in having the Judge dismiss the case. Because it's saying: "Yes, sometimes guilty people get away due to a lack of evidence. Sometimes Juries wrongfully convict innocent people - that's how the Justice system truly works." And educating people like this is always good.

[@___m_a_r___]

this is absolutely disgusting

[@MizLaur]

In no way should a dismissal like that be permitted. Disgusting.

[@sunnyquinn3888]

"Someone must have told a joke." Oh, Honey, you were the joke. And what a cruel joke it was. 😡

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

I'm a physically disabled woman and sadly this stuff happens to disabled people in real life.

[@wallflower7441]

The judge is sick.

[@Moncayowind]

I think I would take it a bit further and use the word "evil".

[@elenabucur58]

"Face it, she had the time of her life." bro???? so many things wrong with that

[@oddeyesrebellion923]

If I was in the court room I would've mouthed off the judge and asked him if he was in their pockets.

[@SellavinAtoms]

I kind of felt sorry for the girl and I hate the judge the time of her life she barely knew what life is really like inside of school and why do people tell her that judge should be disbarred.

[@rogers4845]

What those boys did was criminal and the judges actions also are criminal. That all said, when children with mental disabilities become adults they do have rights. I'm not sure where the line is. My cousins daughter was in special education and mainstreamed all through school. She is now married with 2 children to a wonderful man who does not have mental disabilities. Her parents were always concerned if she could live on her own. It was always a maybe question. Some questioned if it was wrong for her to get married and have children.

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Life sure can get complicated, sometimes.

[@TheAaronChand]

Okay so what are her children doing okay yes

[@rogers4845]

@@TheAaronChand both children are doing well in school, one started college this year.

[@andystitt3887]

I agree.

[@LilithsOwn303]

I am baffled, they go through all the trouble to get a jury to convict those 3 incensitive lads, and then with one sentence the defence can set aside the jury's verdict?!!! Whay on earth go through all the trouble of a trial at all then, when laws are not applicable anyhow!!! I am appalled!

[@bloke_19xx33]

Agreed…I remember watching this show when it first aired, and was in shock about what happened in this scene. I’m not an attorney or legal expert, but why have a jury if the judge has the Power to throw out a verdict?

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

It seems like a 'kangaroo court', but the judge objected to the prosecution display of evidence and overturned it because of personal assessment, which he would the right to do. He has to go through with the trial; "the trouble of a trial" is all in the days work for the judge.

[@ivejennie5844]

I'm literally in tears... This is so cruel

[@TheDeadGunslinger]

Wait, how can a judge overturn a jury's verdict? and wouldn't there be MORE legality involved in that? Clearly i'm missing something.

[@DeputyNathan]

Yes, a lot more could be done. Once is that they could appeal and also file a complaint against the judge. In some cases maybe even file a suit against him.

[@elsakristina2689]

I’m autistic and I know how trusting I can be, but if this ever were to happen to me (God forbid), I know and wouldn’t doubt that it would NOT be my fault, it’d only be the fault of the people or person hurting me. And I CAN consent if I want to and I can take it away if I want to too, being disabled does not make it impossible for me to understand or do that at all and I don’t want to be treated like I can’t do it or like I’m too young emotionally even though I am an adult.

[@evasbookshelf1289]

Here here!

[@LSC69]

that's good and all but just to be clear you cant withdraw consent away after the deed has been done with consent.

[@tezzdiorr]

autistic ahh