Guilty Until Proven Innocent: The Duke Lacrosse Hoax and the Dangers of False Reporting

In 2006, the Duke University men's lacrosse team was at the center of a scandal after a dancer falsely accused three players of sexual assault. This episode walks through the chronology of the Duke Hoax: from the initial, explosive accusation that ignited a national debate, to the growing realization that evidence pointed to the players' innocence. We highlight the actions of former DA Mike Nifong, who became the first prosecutor in North Carolina disbarred for trial conduct, and discuss the immense legal and personal cost borne by the three young men before they were finally and fully cleared of all charges.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for listeners, and they are not functioning as licensed therapists providing services on the show. Any information shared based on general client experiences is coincidental and not meant to identify current or past clients. If you or someone you love is having a mental health crisis, please contact 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.