And that SOL stuff is total rubbish, since it's not applicable after plea/verdict anywhere.

My biggest issue is that they're continuing to make the victim a victim, when she clearly no longer wants to be seen as such.

Did he do something wrong? Yes. Was it reprehensible? Without a doubt. Should he pay? Depends on whether you think he has or not, already.

I'm honestly torn about this, not because of any deep respect for him or anything, but the fact that they're continuing to treat the woman in question like a child still, when she's repeatedly stated her position.

Now, of course, if it's cause for legal precedent being set and then used in other similar cases, then I'd argue you have to prosecute.

In this specific case, with these specific elements and people, I say leave him be. Polanski has no reason to think that the American courts will abide by any deals. The woman has said multiple times that she considers the matter settled. His entire social circle is aware of what kind of man he is. I consider precedent irrelevant unless another case involving a very similar case would arise.

My personal bottom line on this is, will persuing this do any good? Or is only a disturbing taste for revenge in parts of the American psyche that will be served?

If the victim wanted him brought to the courts, it would be different. But she doesn't.

In this specific case, with these specific elements and people, I say leave him be. Polanski has no reason to think that the American courts will abide by any deals. The woman has said multiple times that she considers the matter settled. His entire social circle is aware of what kind of man he is. I consider precedent irrelevant unless another very similar case would arise.

My personal bottom line on this is, will persuing this do any good? Or is only a disturbing taste for revenge in parts of the American psyche that will be served?

If the victim wanted him brought to the courts, it would be different. But she doesn't.

Did he do something wrong? Yes. Was it reprehensible? Without a doubt. Should he pay? Depends on whether you think he has or not, already.

He should pay through the legal system. Criminals don't get to choose their own punishment. And I don't really see 30 years of living in France, making movies, winning awards, and generally being able to do whatever he wants except enter the US as being punishment.

I think I am at least as offended by Polanski's flight from justice as I am by his original crime. If he had accepted sentencing and served whatever sentence there was - from probation to prison time, and it seems like the former was more likely - I would have no trouble with the sentiment that this was all in the past and he could be forgiven. But by placing himself above the justice system - by fleeing - Polanski has made it impossible for me to forgive him. Yeah, it's sad he's had such a hard life, not being able to visit London or New York in 30 years. Of course, he could have avoided the whole trouble by not drugging and raping a 13 year old in the first place, and (presumably) assuming he could get away with it because he was famous.

My personal bottom line on this is, will persuing this do any good? Or is only a disturbing taste for revenge in parts of the American psyche that will be served?

I don't see it as revenge, but justice. The only way the legal system works is if we at least try to have the same system for everyone -- we shouldn't let somebody just walk away from justice just because he's got money and connections. Rich and powerful people getting better treatment from the legal system is bad, but rich and powerful people being able to walk away from the system entirely is just beyond any standards of how it should work.

I think I am at least as offended by Polanski's flight from justice as I am by his original crime. If he had accepted sentencing and served whatever sentence there was - from probation to prison time, and it seems like the former was more likely - I would have no trouble with the sentiment that this was all in the past and he could be forgiven. But by placing himself above the justice system - by fleeing - Polanski has made it impossible for me to forgive him. Yeah, it's sad he's had such a hard life, not being able to visit London or New York in 30 years. Of course, he could have avoided the whole trouble by not drugging and raping a 13 year old in the first place, and (presumably) assuming he could get away with it because he was famous.

Yup. What flea said.

Cosign Hil. (Where did cosign come from? Is it, like, a Bog Brother Season 1 thing? I am using it a lot lately and it's kind of freaking me out.)

Crimes in the US justice system are committed not just against the victim, but against civil society as a whole. Prosecutors can prosecute even if the victim doesn't want them to (though non-cooperation can make it hard.)

It's not a question of whether the victim wants the matter dropped; in a criminal charge, it's the State, not the victim, bringing charges against the criminal. t edit x-post with flea, who said it better.

I don't care what his body of work is, he drugged and raped a 13-year-old girl.

Should he pay?

Should he get away with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl?