The judge in the criminal case effectively threw out the CO rape-shield law. I can't blame her for not wanting to face Bryant's lawyers under cross examination: you have no idea how vicious a well-paid lawyer can be. Think Max Hardcore a dozen times over.

The case wasn't "thrown out" per se so much as the prosecutors requested that for lack of evidence. Since the prosecutor didn't ask for the option of refiling the case Bryant's lawyer didn't object. It's embarrassing but it happens. It wasn't thrown out because of any request Bryant made.

You can bet the farm that she did NOT get any money under the table from Bryant. That would be witness tampering.

The civil trial is somehow in federal court? I had missed that. What's the federal issue here? Does the US have a rape-shield law she's hoping for use?

The standards in a civil case are vastly lower than in a criminal case. All the jury has to do is get to the "as likely as not" line and then tiptoe just a little beyond... Bryant will probably wind up paying a settlement but the big deal to him is that he won't have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The one piece of evidence I have never heard about that would be interesting would be what the "outcry" witnesses saw - when the people rushed to the scene after they heard her yell. What she said, how panicked she appeared, red marks on the skin - that would be of great interest. What little I've seen - and I haven't looked much - says nothing to me.