This week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a decision that was shocking to many. It determined that Bill Cosby’s criminal conviction was so fundamentally unfair that it violated his constitutional right to due process. He was released from prison immediately.
The Court’s decision had nothing to do with Cosby’s guilt. To criticize the decision on the basis that Cosby is “obviously guilty” is to miss the point. Under our system of justice, guilt is established, if at all, in Court based upon evidentiary rules and constitutional protections. We should expect the Court to require fundamental fairness in the criminal process. If you or a loved one were charged with a crime, you would expect to be treated with fundamental fairness. If you can appreciate that notion, then you should make room for the idea that the PA Supreme Court’s decision was a victory for all of us.