3 ms·

I don't know what happened either way, but a choice quote: > In the end, facts – not unfounded claims – will determine the outcome of the suit filed against us

I don't know what happened either way, but a choice quote: > In the end, facts – not unfounded claims – will determine the outcome of the suit filed against us. The devil's advocate could just as easily rephrase it this way: "In the end, facts – not the findings of an "independent" investigator we hired – will determine the outcome of the suit filed against us." I know it's a tough PR crisis to handle, but somehow I think an Apple-styled cone of silence about the issue might have been a better approach.

ghshephard 14y ago
"facts – not unfounded claims will determine the outcome of the suit filed against us." Something to keep in mind, that ultimately, it's the evidence and the quality of the legal team that will determine the outcome of the suit. The facts/truth of the matter come in a distant third. I often view the results of a court case as an indication of how much evidence could be discovered by each side, and how effective their attorneys were, rather than a clearcut indication of guilt/innocence. I wonder if anyone has ever done any controlled studies, some anti-rashomonesque like scenario, where the guilt/innocence of each party was objectively and quantifiably determined, and then run a statistically valid sample of these cases through the court system, to see how well guilt/innocence correlates with the court findings.
- slantyyz 14y ago
  IANAL, but civil cases aren't so much about guilt beyond a reasonable doubt as they are a balance of probabilities. So the result would be based on whether Ms. Pao's story is more likely to be true than false.
  - deleted 14y ago
    [deleted]
mbreese 14y ago
Its tough to keep quiet when you think that you've been wronged, especially so publicly. However, you're right. This isn't something that can be won in the court of public opinion. Simply say: We adamantly disagree with the allegations and will defend ourselves in court. Then keep silent until the case is won or lost. There isn't much to be gained from making public statements. You don't want to seem like the allegations are correct, so you want to attack the accuser. But that will only make you look worse. So all you can do publicly is make vague statements to show how diverse you are. And that doesn't help much either because all it does is remind people that you're involved in a discrimination suit. I expect that this is the last we'll hear from them on the subject until after the suit.
- slantyyz 14y ago
  I suspect the suit will end up getting settled for an undisclosed sum and no admissions of guilt.

ghshephard 14y ago

"facts – not unfounded claims will determine the outcome of the suit filed against us." Something to keep in mind, that ultimately, it's the evidence and the quality of the legal team that will determine the outcome of the suit. The facts/truth of the matter come in a distant third. I often view the results of a court case as an indication of how much evidence could be discovered by each side, and how effective their attorneys were, rather than a clearcut indication of guilt/innocence. I wonder if anyone has ever done any controlled studies, some anti-rashomonesque like scenario, where the guilt/innocence of each party was objectively and quantifiably determined, and then run a statistically valid sample of these cases through the court system, to see how well guilt/innocence correlates with the court findings.

slantyyz 14y ago
IANAL, but civil cases aren't so much about guilt beyond a reasonable doubt as they are a balance of probabilities. So the result would be based on whether Ms. Pao's story is more likely to be true than false.
- deleted 14y ago
  [deleted]

mbreese 14y ago

Its tough to keep quiet when you think that you've been wronged, especially so publicly. However, you're right. This isn't something that can be won in the court of public opinion. Simply say: We adamantly disagree with the allegations and will defend ourselves in court. Then keep silent until the case is won or lost. There isn't much to be gained from making public statements. You don't want to seem like the allegations are correct, so you want to attack the accuser. But that will only make you look worse. So all you can do publicly is make vague statements to show how diverse you are. And that doesn't help much either because all it does is remind people that you're involved in a discrimination suit. I expect that this is the last we'll hear from them on the subject until after the suit.

slantyyz 14y ago
I suspect the suit will end up getting settled for an undisclosed sum and no admissions of guilt.