Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Police: Allegedly!

Especially when reporting on crime and courts, it's hard to use the word allegedly enough. At the time accusations are made, they are alleged; that is, thaey have yet to be proven in a court of law.

So, it's important that we properly attribute things as being alleged.

For example, it's not alleged that Timothy Keel entered the store. He has a face full of broken bones proving he was there. And it's not a crime to get your ass kicked (though it may be a crime to do the ass-kicking).

What is alleged is whether he pulled a knife, and tried to commit a crime.

So, where does allegedly fit in here?

DaRoza walked behind the counter for the key to the restroom when Keel followed him and exposed a knife.

Before "exposed a knife," right? Like this:


DaRoza walked behind the counter for the key to the restroom when Keel followed him and allegedly exposed a knife.

When something is being alleged, do use allegedly. And when in doubt, be safe and use allegedly.

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