Justin Lane / EPA-Landov
The new developments in the Dominique Strauss-Kahn case cast doubts on Manhattan district attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr.’s handling of the case and his management style. Complaints coming from the D.A.’s office suggest that Vance pursues cases based on how much publicity they will get him, and he has had strained relations with the police department over crime initiatives and control issues. His wildly successful predecessor, who built the current D.A.'s office, barely speaks to him now. In the Strauss-Kahn case, Vance pursued a quick indictment, which critics say did not leave adequate time to check the accuser’s credibility. He also gave this case to two assistant district attorneys, rather than the sex crimes unit--two attorneys who may not have been familiar with common pitfalls of prosecuting sex crimes, such as an alleged victim having a questionable background.