11-09-2011, 10:49 PM
Article on the legal quagmire of this situation:
Did Joe Paterno break the law?
Story Highlights
Paterno hasn't been charged, but he may have violated law by not going to police
Paterno's statements to grand jury will come under scrutiny as case goes to trial
Even if Paterno isn't criminally charged, he could be found negligent in civil trial Joe Paterno could still be charged with perjury if authorities find he wasn't truthful in his grand jury testimony.
While Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly says that her office won't file charges against Joe Paterno for not reporting the alleged child sexual abuse by former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, the 84-year-old coach could eventually face criminal charges for perjury, obstruction of justice and violating the state's Child Protective Services Law. Paterno could also become a defendant in civil lawsuits filed by Sandusky's alleged victims. Those lawsuits could allege that Paterno negligently failed to prevent a third party with whom he had a supervisory relationship (Sandusky) from committing abuse.
Read more.
Did Joe Paterno break the law?
Story Highlights
Paterno hasn't been charged, but he may have violated law by not going to police
Paterno's statements to grand jury will come under scrutiny as case goes to trial
Even if Paterno isn't criminally charged, he could be found negligent in civil trial Joe Paterno could still be charged with perjury if authorities find he wasn't truthful in his grand jury testimony.
While Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly says that her office won't file charges against Joe Paterno for not reporting the alleged child sexual abuse by former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, the 84-year-old coach could eventually face criminal charges for perjury, obstruction of justice and violating the state's Child Protective Services Law. Paterno could also become a defendant in civil lawsuits filed by Sandusky's alleged victims. Those lawsuits could allege that Paterno negligently failed to prevent a third party with whom he had a supervisory relationship (Sandusky) from committing abuse.
Read more.