In 1991, the prosecution of William Kennedy Smith for alleged rape became a national sensation. Millions tuned in to watch the televised trial, which involved one of America's most famous and storied political families. The 31-year old defendant was the nephew of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy, and he stood accused of raping 30-year old Patricia Bowman in the backyard of the Kennedys' Palm Beach estate. Other elements in the case only added to its notoriety: Senator Kennedy's role, intense media scrutiny, additional accusations by other women against Smith, and defense behavior at trial. Even after the jury acquitted Smith on December 11, 1991, controversy over the case lingered.

No one disputed that Smith and 30-year old Patricia Bowman had sexual intercourse on the night of the alleged attack. Earlier in the evening, Smith had gone with his uncle, Senator Kennedy, to a nightclub. He met Bowman there, and they returned together...