60 Minutes Season 39 Episode 7 The Duke Rape Case, A Loss of Faith

The episode titled "The Duke Rape Case, A Loss of Faith" of the popular news program 60 Minutes season 39 episode 7 delves into the highly controversial Duke lacrosse team rape case. The show sheds light on the case that brought national outrage, not only because of the allegations of sexual assault made by a black stripper against white lacrosse players but also because of the way the case was handled by the authorities.

The episode interviews Crystal Gail Mangum, the accuser and her former friend, Kim Roberts, who were hired to perform at a party hosted by the Duke lacrosse team. The women share their account of the events that took place that night, including their interactions with the players and the accusations that were eventually made. Viewers get a glimpse of the emotional and physical toll the incident took on Mangum and the impact it has had on her life.

In addition to Mangum and Roberts, the show also features interviews with Duke lacrosse coach Mike Pressler and former prosecutor, Mike Nifong. The show examines the role that the media played in the case, as well as the political and social implications that arose during the height of the controversy. With footage culled from various news outlets, the show takes viewers on a journey through one of the most scandalous criminal cases in recent history.

60 Minutes season 39 episode 7 doesn't shy away from exploring the darker side of the justice system. The interview with Mike Nifong, the prosecutor who took on the case, offers a revealing look at the pressure he faced from the media, the public, and politics to swiftly bring charges against the Duke lacrosse players. The episode also explores the role that race played in the case, highlighting the stark racial divide in Durham, North Carolina, where the alleged crime took place.

Overall, "The Duke Rape Case, A Loss of Faith" is a gripping and nuanced episode that illuminates the complexities of a case that captivated the nation. It provides viewers with an in-depth look at the many factors that contributed to the Duke lacrosse scandal, including race, class, and gender dynamics, media manipulation, and the failings of the justice system.