The Difference Between a Complaint and an Indictment
Those of you following the Michael Jackson court case may be aware that, originally it was classified as a complaint in January 2004.
However, District Attorney Sneddon then changed it to an indictment in April.
This change meant that Michael Jackson, as would be the case for any defendant, lost his right to have a preliminary hearing within 10 days of the arraignment.
The preliminary hearing gives the judge to opportunity to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial.
Additionally, by this action, the prosecution has to make public its case; this is clearly to the advantage of the defence team.
Clearly the change from complaint to indictment, by the District Attorney, has put Michael Jackson's defence team on the back foot.
In other news, the BBC report that police seized items of Michael Jackson memorabilia in March for possible use in the trial.
It is understood that the items include a pair of Calvin Klein briefs.
The reports suggest that they belonged to a man who had acquired them under a legal settlement.
Why on earth would anyone wish to keep someone's underpants?
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