Background: I've written about Darren Mack, who stands accused of murder and also attempted murder, on numerous occasions, including Thomas Jefferson Murdered Women? and others. I recently referred to Mack as a "despicable Nevada father who, unhappy with his family law case, stabbed and murdered his estranged wife and attempted to murder a judge."

George and Lary, two readers, are unhappy with some of what I've written. George writes:

"You have judged Darren Mack before any trial. As a published journalist for profit you have acted in the most sensational manner in reckless disregard for fairness. The time to condemn Mr. Mack is after the trial, not before, even if he is convicted. You were once a history teacher [but] you ignore the fundamental right of presumed innocence...you need to take a look at the yellow journalism which you seem to be practicing."

Lary writes:

"According to all the actual news reports that are publicly available, Darren Mack is accused of murder and attempted murder. He has neither been tried or convicted in either case yet...Regardless of personal feelings on a subject, one should maintain a level of objectivity to prevent disseminating false information...Please adjust your articles to present accurate information. It is still quite possible to disassociate yourself or present your dissatisfaction with an action or set of actions without presenting the unproven as fact."

Like many, George and Lary misunderstand the presumption of innocence. The presumption of innocence is a legal right--it has little to do with how I, an opinion columnist, am supposed to judge him. I've little doubt that Darren Mack committed the crimes I've mentioned. If it somehow turns out that he is innocent, I will of course correct myself and apologize. News stories will say a crime is "alleged" until there's a conviction, but I'm not a news reporter, I'm a columnist. I go with the best evidence, and the best evidence is that Mack is guilty.

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 24th, 2007 at 7:41 am and is filed under Family Law, Child Support/Child Support Enforcement, Domestic Violence/DV System, Fathers' Rights/Noncustodial parents' rights, Crime/Criminal Justice System/Police, False Accusations, Men and the Media, Divorce/Separation/Child Custody, History. You can trackback from your own site.