Washington Times Editorial

Thanks to Mr. Cooper, the nightmare is now over for Reade Seligmann of Essex Falls, N.J., David F. Evans of Bethesda and Collin Finnerty of Garden City, N.Y. They had been charged with the kidnapping and sexual assault of Crystal Gail Mangum and were railroaded by Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong. The runaway prosecutor began his crusade to find the "bunch of hooligans," as he called them, but the accuser's story kept changing. The evidence was lacking. In spite of all this, Mr. Nifong charged on, earning a December ethics violation for which he faces disbarment.

At the Wednesday press conference to announce that charges are being dropped, Mr. Cooper scolded Mr. Nifong for his "bravado" in pushing a case he couldn't make. Mr. Nifong, who was up for re-election during the proceedings, clearly wanted to look good for voters. In response, Mr. Cooper wants to give the North Carolina Supreme Court authority to remove runaway prosecutors in the future. For Mr. Nifong's part, at least he has apologized.

Here in the United States, the accused are innocent until proven guilty. Thankfully, there are judicious men like Mr. Cooper to ensure it.

For ending the Duke lacrosse media circus, Roy Cooper is the Noble of the Week.