For Immediate Release Contact: Marina Ein 202-775

For Immediate Release
Contact: Marina Ein
202-775-0200
STATEMENT BY WILLIAM W. TAYLOR, III AND BENJAMIN BRAFMAN
JUNE 14, 2011
We understand that there are reports in France that Mr. Strauss-Kahn’s defense strategy is to
unfairly smear the complaining witness, and that, because of his financial resources, his lawyers
will be able to manipulate the legal system to produce a favorable result.
This is not true. The judicial system in the United States differs from the French system in that
there is no such body as an independent “juge d’instruction” that investigates the charges and
then produces an investigation file to the defendant’s lawyers. Because there is no independent
“juge d’instruction” in the United States, a defense lawyer must conduct his own investigation
into the facts in order to represent his client effectively and prepare for a trial. Although the
prosecution discloses to the defendant some evidence of its investigation before trial, the
prosecution does not always provide all the relevant evidence, and often the prosecution will see
the evidence differently than the defense. It would, therefore, be reckless for any defense lawyer
in any case in the United States to rely on just the prosecution’s evidence. It is his ethical duty to
conduct his own, separate investigation.
This is why we are conducting our own investigation on behalf of Mr. Strauss-Kahn.
Mr. Strauss-Kahn would not receive a proper defense if his lawyers did not do so. In this way,
he is no different than any other defendant in the American justice system.
We deeply believe in the virtues of the American legal system, and are certain that Mr. StraussKahn will receive a fair trial. We remain confident that Mr. Strauss-Kahn ultimately will be
found innocent of these charges.
William W. Taylor, III
Zuckerman Spaeder LLP
Benjamin Brafman
Brafman & Associates P.C.
3303350.1