Reversal of Misfortune

In some respects the Louima case presented a clear and simple, black and white conflict between good and evil. Louima was good; Volpe was evil. But even clear cases present some gray areas, and the criminal complicity of the three other officers lacked the clarity that would allow the courts to feel comfortable about their convictions. But if any police officers who participated in the torture or in its cover-up are treated as victorious heroes, then law will have prevailed over justice. V

Alan M. Dershowitz's latest book is Shouting Fire: Civil Liberties in a Turbulent Age.

Related Articles in This Issue:

"The Louima Decision: Is Punishment Possible for Police Brutality?" by Jill Nelson

"The Louima Prosecutor: Pataki and D'Amato's Pick Is Unqualified and Tainted" by Wayne Barrett