Michael Jackson's Trials

Michael Jackson's Trials

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The Ongoing Trials of The Late Michael Jackson

Saturday, May 08, 2004

Short Term Image Change?

The question on everyone's' lips is whether the image change, evident from Michael Jackson's court appearance can be maintained; or whether he will revert to type.

The charges Michael Jackson faces are exceptionally serious; his image needs to reflect the fact that he understands that.

So far so good.

However, there is a long gap between now and when the trial commences. A week is a long time in showbusiness.

Friday, May 07, 2004

Reports indicate that two former employees of Michael Jackson won't "cut a deal" with prosecutors if they are indicted.

The indictment against Michael Jackson said the singer, and multiple co-conspirators, plotted to commit abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.

However, the names of the alleged co-conspirators were removed from the indictment.

It seems that Frank Tyson and Vince Amen, former employees of Michael Jackson, were invited to testify before the grand jury that heard evidence against Michael Jackson last month. Their lawyer did not let them appear.

Frank Tyson was Jackson's personal assistant, and Vince Amen worked for Michael Jackson's production company.

Thursday, May 06, 2004

Reports indicate that Michael Jackson is taking a low profile, as a result of the conspiracy charge brought against him last Friday.

It is believed that this new charge could become the focal point of the prosecution case, and could be more damaging than the other charges.

The theory runs as follows, if Michael Jackson is found guilty of conspiracy; then he could be punished for the entire alleged crime, even if it is not proved.

All that has to happen, is for the jury to be convinced that two people had an agreement to commit a crime.

Pressure is expected to be brought to bear on former Jackson aides to testify against him, by threatening them with a charge of conspiracy to commit child abduction.

Wednesday, May 05, 2004

Reports indicate that one of the reasons that Michael Jackson may have switched lawyers, could be down to the influence of his brother Randy.

It seems that Randy may have more of Michael's attention than before.

Randy is a Muslim, who is credited among other things with the decision to bring the Nation of Islam into Michael Jackson's security team.

Tuesday, May 04, 2004

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?

Monday, May 03, 2004

The forthcoming trial of Michael Jackson has caused a minor hiccough in the careers of his three nephews, who form the boyband 3T.

Taj, Taryll and TJ, the sons of Michael Jackson's brother Tito, have decided that owing to the unfavourable publicity; they will not release any music in the USA for the time being.

There is quite some time to go before the start of Michael Jackson's trial in the winter of 2004.

During this period it is quite likely that there will be stories circulating in the media, that are total and absolute nonsense.

One such possible nonsense story has already emerged, concerning alleged unearthed personal belongings relating to Michael Jackson.

It seems that this story is now considered to have very little factual content.

I have stated before, and will bore everyone again by repeating it, that finding a jury that has not been contaminated will not be easy.

The more rumours and allegations that fly around the media, in the time period between now and the trial, the more difficult that task will become.

Sunday, May 02, 2004

The next hearing in the case against Michael Jackson will be on the 28th of May.

Here is a link to the indictment dated the 21st of April 2004, Grand Jury Indictment
Santa Barbara County
.