-Caveat Lector- Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2001 10:12 AM Subject: [Fwd: [FPE] Judge bars 'Viagra defense'] http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/1news/alabama/080601_rape.html The Associated Press Alabama - August 6, 2001 Judge bars 'Viagra defense' The Associated Press A man faces trial today for the rape of an 18-year-old woman, but he's been barred from using the "Viagra defense." Will Wright Jr., 42, of Midfield does not deny assaulting the teen-ager, said defense lawyer Charles Salvagio. But Salvagio said Wright is innocent because side effects from the popular male impotence drug contributed to the rape. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Teresa Petelos ruled Friday that lawyers can't make claims that Viagra causes sexual aggression. She also barred them from even mentioning the drug. "We don't have a defense," Salvagio said. "It's hard to prepare a case when the defendant doesn't remember what happened." Wright is charged with first-degree rape and sodomy. He could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted. He has a previous sexual assault conviction from 1984. The question now is whether Wright should immediately appeal Petelos' ruling or appeal after the trial if he's convicted, said Wilson Myers, Wright's other lawyer. "Viagra in some people causes aggression and amnesia. We don't think he is responsible for his actions," Myers said. Prosecutors argued there is no evidence to support the aggression claim. The judge agreed in a one-page ruling that says the defense failed to show that their claims are reliable and not pure conjecture. "I'm glad this is over so we can focus on the real issue in this case, and that is the rape of this victim," Assistant District Attorney Jill Ganus said. Wright is charged with assaulting the teen-ager while holding a gun to her head on July 20, 2000. Green said prosecutors have been assisted by Viagra manufacturer Pfizer Inc., which rejects claims the medicine could influence Wright's actions. "There is no medical or scientific evidence, none whatsoever, linking Viagra with aggressive or violent behavior," said Geoff Cook, a spokesman for the New York-based Pfizer. "Studies in more than 3,600 patients support the conclusion that Viagra does not cause aggression." ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Small business owners... Tell us what you think! http://us.click.yahoo.com/vO1FAB/txzCAA/ySSFAA/KlSolB/TM ------------------------------------------------------------------- --~-> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
