Re: “” Aug. 20 Nathaniel Haas column.
The Denver Post presented two differing opinions about a recent sentence handed down for sexual assault in Boulder. Unfortunately, Nathaniel Haas’ column was spectacularly misinformed. He claims that false rape accusations are no more common than false accusations for other felonies, which is ludicrous. How many false allegations of murder, robbery, or arson are there? Unlike with most felonies, a rape charge first requires proving that the event even occurred. There isn’t anybody falsely claiming they were murdered.
Haas also laments what he says are the tactics the defense uses in rape cases, providing an “example” of how he imagines this unfolds. But the line of questioning he examines hasn’t been allowed in courtrooms for 30 years. Rape is punished more broadly and severely today in America than it has been at any time in human history. But for some people, it will never be enough.
Damien Veatch, Northglenn
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