The sanctions for violating this law could include a dismissal of all charges against the three players.

This, of course, is Mr Nifong’s way out. He blames someone else for not delivering the evidence, then laments that the players got off scot-free without ever going to trial, but says that there’s nothing he can do about it. He solidifies his standing with black voters, without actually losing a trial for which there is insufficient evidence to obtain a conviction.