Lawndale Rape Trial to Jury - What's a Victim?

The jury in the Daniel Ramsey trial are expected to begin deliberating this afternoon. Our story in the Daily Breeze today barely scratches the surface of the issues raised in this case. For instance, defense attorney Kevin Greber implored the jury to set aside emotions and judge the case soberly. He attacked the prosecution and her witnesses for wrongly injecting passion into the process. Greber took issue with their refering to the rape victim as "victim," suggesting the sexual exam nurse and emergency room doctor should have labeled her "patient" because, to do otherwise, shows bias. He feared that bias would transfer to the jury in their deliberations.

This isn't a new issue. It comes up in rape cases where consent is an issue, such as in the high-profile Kobe Bryant case.

What do you think? Is it wrong to refer to people as victims when they allege that they are? What could be done in its place. We welcome your comments....