Sandusky case: What's at stake in Tuesday's hearing [View all]

[Seedersandleechers]

Here's a quick rundown on what preparations are in place for Tuesday, who the major players are, and what’s at stake:

The case

Former Penn State football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, who in 1977 founded The Second Mile charity for at-risk youth, faces 52 charges that he sexually abused 10 boys between 1994 and 2009.

What is a preliminary hearing?

It's the first opportunity for the two sides to present evidence and question witnesses. The prosecution must present a “prima facie” case — basically it must show some evidence of each crime, and show that the defendant may have committed the crime.

What's at stake?

A district judge presides over the hearing. If he finds the prosecution has established a prima facie case, the case will be “bound over” to the trial court, which in this case is the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. If the district judge finds the prosecution has not established a prima facie case, the judge will dismiss the charges.



Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/12/12/132815/sandusky-case-whats-at-stake-in.html#ixzz1gLEqTGFF