Scott Alexander analyzes the misrepresentation of the Gilbert/Frago case in media and online discourse, showing how legal complexities were oversimplified.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander examines the media coverage and online reactions to the Gilbert/Frago case, where a man was acquitted of murder after shooting an escort. He points out that many articles and blog posts misrepresented the case, claiming it set a precedent for legally killing sex workers in Texas. Scott presents a more nuanced view, citing legal experts who explain that the acquittal was likely due to lack of proof of intent to kill, rather than any judgment on the value of sex workers' lives. The post highlights the complexity of the legal issues involved and how they were oversimplified in much of the coverage.
Shorter summary