WEBCAST of LaGuer SJC Hearing Starts at 9 a.m.

This November 2001 report by Dan Rea encapsulated what Thursday's hearing IS about. The hearing will be Web cast by Suffolk University Law School.

In other words, it is about our fundamental right to a fair trial. No more and no less.

This is what it is NOT about:

Whether or not LaGuer is innocent or guilty. Though there is much evidence, including the exculpatory fingerprint report, that someone else commited this crime.

Whether a 2002 DNA test proves that, fingerprints aside, LaGuer did it. In fact, four highly regarded DNA experts have concluded that the test was botched and fatally flawed due to contamination.

Whether a litany of distortions, distractions, and "misstatements of the factual record," as LaGuer's attorney called it, make it seem that the original case against LaGuer was overwhelming. In reality, the case against LaGuer was decidedly underwhelming. As I have documented, the prosecutor flat out lied to the justices of the Appeals Court last year.

These tactics are not only outrageous, but they undermine the very core of our judicial system. If you at all can, please come to the court house, or watch the Web cast. We can't let the prosecutor continue to get away with these shenanigans.