I agree that many people find themelves between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the ethics of a situation. Reread this thread on Ethics (
http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=9939&highlight=ethics) and apply some of the lessons there to this situation.
We all pretty much agree this was not a life, health, safety issue, so any comparison to rape or real battery (like a blanket party in the service) is off the table.
This woman went along to save futher humiliation and probable firing, then she consulted an attorney, who advised her of her rights.
Since the closing arguments were yesterday, we should have a decision soon. Then let's see whether the jury thought she was justified in suing.
Remember, this is Fresno, California, not some little backwater town. The people in Fresno can probably be counted on to determine a fair verdict.
We didn't hear all the testimony nor see any exhibits. The result of the trial is bound to surprise some of the contributors to this thread, regardless of the decision.
Bill has owned up to the fact he may have been passive when similar events occurred in his past where he was only a spectator, not a participant on the giving or receiving end. I, on the other hand, have ALWAYS ridden the moral horse, refusing to go along with any bully, without stepping in to save the underdog. I got my clock cleaned more than once, without saving the victim, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Don't kid yourself. This was the sheer act of a bully. You can bet no CEO or other top officer allowed himself to be humiliated in front of the troops. The only folks on the receiving end were those too weak in the organization to refuse without retaliation. The others who went along probably were thanking their Deities, saying "Thank you, Deity, that it is not me out there!" Will the jury see it that way to the tune of real money?