I can’t remember if I committed a crime so …

[blueinindiana]

I am not guilty.

I have never fully understood this defense except that it is a way for wealthy and the powerful to get out of trouble especially in a so called ‘white collar crime’.

I guess I will never be called for a jury in one of these trials because that excuse would never fly with me.

[Missy M]

1. Better know as the 'Ronald Reagan I can't Remember Defense'...

only in his case he couldn't. How they get away with it is beyond me.

[Sapere aude]

2. I call it the Reagan defense. Many right wingers use it when they are caught in a lie.

I have to give my right wing friends and coworkers some credit. They can make up facts on the spot to support their talking points but if you later prove to them they were wrong in what they said they will deny saying it or say they don't remember saying it.

Last week a wing nut I know told me he doesn't report all his income because he doesn't think the government should take so much of his income in taxes. He owns a pharmacy. Yesterday I jokingly told him I turned him into the IRS for a reward and he told me he doesn't remember saying any such thing.

[twilight_sailing]

6. Reagan defense

Yep, I have seen it used time and time again by right wingers.

[polmaven]

3. In this case, though,

the crime for which is is on trial is perjury. His defense is that he is not guilty of perjury 'cause he really, truly, didn't remember stuff. He didn't lie, ya see...he just has one o' them there really bad memories, and forgot stuff he did and remembered stuff he didn't do. Ummmm, see? ....

No, neither do I! :shrug:

[Edweird]

4. If he really and truly doesn't remember,

then he shouldn't have any problem with a polygraph, right?

[twilight_sailing]

5. Steve Martin - it went something like this

How to make a million dollars and not pay taxes.

First, get a million dollars. Then don't pay your taxes.

Then, when the IRS asks you why you didn't pay your taxes, say,

"I forgot!"