Debra Saunders has a column on the Hernandez case. (Link thanks to Rory.) The meat is in the discussion of the Student Conduct rescheduling, which she supports.

Hernandez claims the Alameda County District Attorney's office exonerated him when it dropped criminal charges. The "factual finding of innocence" has a "higher burden of proof than an acquittal," Hernandez wrote.

That's news to Deputy District Attorney Stuart Hing. Hing didn't see any public interest in the county paying to try to jail Cal students. When the students grow up, Hing wants them to be able to tell prospective employers that they have clean records. He arranged a plea bargain whereby the students could make that claim -- after paying a fine that shows that they did wrong. There were three levels of fines, Hing noted; BUT only one student -- Hernandez -- paid the highest fine, because he "bit (one police officer) and tried to bite another officer."

Hernandez denies biting a cop. He says he paid the highest fine because "my case involved assault and battery charges, which entail more work and court costs."

U.C. attorney Mike Smith said because of the plea bargain, the Student Conduct Committee has to hold new hearings. Smith acknowledges that it's not easy politically to enforce the rules.

But this has nothing to do with the issue at hand, which is whether or not SJA bungled the case and violated Hernandez's rights as a student. That'll be the topic of Friday's column.

Oh, speaking of which, it looks like I'll be a Columnist next semester after all. My Mom put the situation best. 'Kevin, even if you have more free time because you aren't a Columnist, do you really think you'll use it to study?' Touche, Mom.


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