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Ghomeshi could win this case for any of several reasons: because the court concludes the accusers’ memories have faded in the years since their encounter; that some entirely technical defence prevails; that he misconducted himself but not in a manner precisely matching the particular Criminal Code provisions he is charged with; or that, even though he may have committed the offences for which he was charged, there is at least reasonable doubt.

Any of these would result in his acquittal. But an acquittal would not necessarily mean Ghomeshi is innocent. Nor would it necessarily mean the CBC did not have good grounds to fire him.

Ghomeshi was smart to expedite this trial, although his hoped for outcome of rehabilitating his reputation is entirely illusory.

There has been no word of an arbitration case against the CBC contesting Ghomeshi’s dismissal from CBC. I frankly doubt we will ever see one. If it proceeded, he would almost certainly fail. Sexual harassment is cause for discharge as is the type of abuse for which he has been charged.

But CBC would not have to go even that far. It could win an employment law case simply by proving Ghomeshi’s behaviour was so antithetical to its brand that his continued employment became untenable. Ghomeshi’s best argument would be that CBC management knew about his misconduct and condoned it. Although such an inquiry might provide the evidence CBC’s management-ordered investigation never exposed, such a finding could be the death of the public broadcaster and I can’t imagine its union taking it on.