The Duke Lacrosse Case
An allegation of sexual assault by a woman hired to entertain at a home rented by Duke lacrosse players sparked a national conversation about race, sex, criminal justice and privilege in 2006.
Even as the investigation into the claims was unfolding, then-Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong pursued charges of first-degree rape, kidnapping and sexual assault against three players. Nifong later recused himself from the case and was found guilty of lying about DNA evidence that would have cleared the men. He resigned in disgrace.
Duke lacrosse players of that era - both the men indicted and others on the team - have since pursued civil litigation to restore their reputations.
