Saturday, July 03, 2004
The View From Iraq
A good chum of mine sent this picture to me of how the Michael Jackson trial is viewed in Iraq, disgraceful!
Friday, July 02, 2004
Seal and Be Dammed
It seems that Judge Rodney Melville, who is presiding over the pre trial hearings of Michael Jackson's child molestation charges, feels that the amount of evidence in the public domain is excessive.
"Extolling" the spirit of "freedom of speech", that is the moral backbone to the USA's political and legal system; Judge Melville is reported to have said yesterday (Thursday), that he wants to avoid media reporting and analysis of the evidence.
The Judge did release a large number of search warrant request forms, that are reported to show the extent of the nationwide search for evidence including; searches of banks, shops and the internet.
However, three key pieces of information were missing from this pre trial "appetiser":
1 The identity of the accounts being searched
2 What was being searched for
3 What was found
Judge Melville is reported to believe that any information revealed, would be subject to intense scrutiny and analysis by the media. This in turn could possibly contaminate the potential jury pool.
Whilst there is a semblance of logic in what he says, by performing a "teasing strip show" with the evidence will only stir up speculation and rumour. The media will go into a frenzy of speculation, causing people to conclude that "there is no smoke without fire"; and forming a judgement before the trial has even started.
I would say, from my humble perspective of being "the man in the street", that this will probably do more damage than good to the chances of conducting a fair trial; it will also taint the image of the American legal system as a whole.
Needless to say attorney Theodore Boutrous, the media's lawyer, has a different perspective to that of Judge Melville.
No surprise there then!
"Extolling" the spirit of "freedom of speech", that is the moral backbone to the USA's political and legal system; Judge Melville is reported to have said yesterday (Thursday), that he wants to avoid media reporting and analysis of the evidence.
The Judge did release a large number of search warrant request forms, that are reported to show the extent of the nationwide search for evidence including; searches of banks, shops and the internet.
However, three key pieces of information were missing from this pre trial "appetiser":
1 The identity of the accounts being searched
2 What was being searched for
3 What was found
Judge Melville is reported to believe that any information revealed, would be subject to intense scrutiny and analysis by the media. This in turn could possibly contaminate the potential jury pool.
Whilst there is a semblance of logic in what he says, by performing a "teasing strip show" with the evidence will only stir up speculation and rumour. The media will go into a frenzy of speculation, causing people to conclude that "there is no smoke without fire"; and forming a judgement before the trial has even started.
I would say, from my humble perspective of being "the man in the street", that this will probably do more damage than good to the chances of conducting a fair trial; it will also taint the image of the American legal system as a whole.
Needless to say attorney Theodore Boutrous, the media's lawyer, has a different perspective to that of Judge Melville.
No surprise there then!
Thursday, July 01, 2004
The Ghosts of The Past
It seems that the ghosts of the past are haunting the upcoming trial of Michael Jackson.
There are reports circulating, that current and former employees of Michael Jackson are afraid to come forward and testify at Michael Jackson's trial; as a result of the treatment meted out to those employees, who came forward in relation to the 1993 allegations.
It seems that 5 employees, who worked with the authorities, were dismissed by Jackson after the 1993 allegations. They took their case to court, and claimed wrongful dismissal.
In the case they noted that there was a culture of fear in Neverland, and that the atmosphere was more akin to a cult.
They further alleged that Michael Jackson's private security service (the OSS), bugged phones and threatened those that talked to the press.
The employees, who brought the claim for wrongful dismissal, lost their case; the jury felt that they were trying to extort money. However, reports in the media are speculating about the effect that this has had on those who may have information pertinent to the current allegations against Michael Jackson.
There are reports circulating, that current and former employees of Michael Jackson are afraid to come forward and testify at Michael Jackson's trial; as a result of the treatment meted out to those employees, who came forward in relation to the 1993 allegations.
It seems that 5 employees, who worked with the authorities, were dismissed by Jackson after the 1993 allegations. They took their case to court, and claimed wrongful dismissal.
In the case they noted that there was a culture of fear in Neverland, and that the atmosphere was more akin to a cult.
They further alleged that Michael Jackson's private security service (the OSS), bugged phones and threatened those that talked to the press.
The employees, who brought the claim for wrongful dismissal, lost their case; the jury felt that they were trying to extort money. However, reports in the media are speculating about the effect that this has had on those who may have information pertinent to the current allegations against Michael Jackson.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Shutting The Stable Door
It seems that yesterday the lawyers acting for Michael Jackson, in respect of his upcoming trial for child molestation, did something rather strange.
Robert Sanger, Jackson's defence lawyer, asked the judge presiding to seal certain motions relating to the case. One of these is reported to be their own request to have the charges against Michael Jackson dismissed.
It seems that their rationale was that, if the documents were made public, then possible evidence would be disclosed that may not be used at the trial.
Now I am not lawyer, but I have to confess I find this a little strange. It has already been widely reported that they wish to try to have the charges against Michael Jackson dismissed; what possible benefit can it be to them to have this covered up, after the event?
It seems to me that the three wise monkeys would be well placed to be involved, in both the prosecution and defence of Jackson, viz:
Needless to say, the lawyers acting for the media are already reported to be "fired up" at this further threat to the "public's right to know"; news ratings as well may come in to their thinking too, methinks.
The level of secrecy threatening to engulf the trial of Michael Jackson is more akin to standard procedure in UK trials, rather than the "freedom of expression and information society" of the USA.
As the saying goes in showbusiness; "this is going to run, and run!"
Robert Sanger, Jackson's defence lawyer, asked the judge presiding to seal certain motions relating to the case. One of these is reported to be their own request to have the charges against Michael Jackson dismissed.
It seems that their rationale was that, if the documents were made public, then possible evidence would be disclosed that may not be used at the trial.
Now I am not lawyer, but I have to confess I find this a little strange. It has already been widely reported that they wish to try to have the charges against Michael Jackson dismissed; what possible benefit can it be to them to have this covered up, after the event?
It seems to me that the three wise monkeys would be well placed to be involved, in both the prosecution and defence of Jackson, viz:
- Hear no evil
- See no evil
- Speak no evil
Needless to say, the lawyers acting for the media are already reported to be "fired up" at this further threat to the "public's right to know"; news ratings as well may come in to their thinking too, methinks.
The level of secrecy threatening to engulf the trial of Michael Jackson is more akin to standard procedure in UK trials, rather than the "freedom of expression and information society" of the USA.
As the saying goes in showbusiness; "this is going to run, and run!"
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Never Ending Hearing After Hearing
At last Friday's hearing, on the never ending saga of the Michael Jackson trial, Judge Rodney Melville in addition to keeping the sealing order in place made a couple of other announcements.
He ordered that Michael Jackson's previous lawyers, Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman, turn over various documents and information (the details of which were not made public)to Jackson's current legal eagles.
It is not clear as to whether there is a problem with regard to them handing the information over. However, Judge Melville did make it clear that if they did not comply with this order; he would require Mark Geragos to appear before him at the hearing, scheduled for the 9th of July.
The judge also set another date for yet another hearing, on the subject of Michael Jackson's trial, this time for the 16th of August. This will be of particular interest to fans of Michael Jackson, as the judge requested that Michael Jackson has to turn up to this one.
He ordered that Michael Jackson's previous lawyers, Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman, turn over various documents and information (the details of which were not made public)to Jackson's current legal eagles.
It is not clear as to whether there is a problem with regard to them handing the information over. However, Judge Melville did make it clear that if they did not comply with this order; he would require Mark Geragos to appear before him at the hearing, scheduled for the 9th of July.
The judge also set another date for yet another hearing, on the subject of Michael Jackson's trial, this time for the 16th of August. This will be of particular interest to fans of Michael Jackson, as the judge requested that Michael Jackson has to turn up to this one.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Fair Trial vs The Right to Know; The Judgement of Solomon
Judge Rodney Melville, who is presiding over the pre trial hearing in the Michael Jackson child molestation case, is reported to have admitted on Friday that the global media interest in the case would make it very difficult for Michael Jackson to get a fair trial.
This came about as the media lawyers fought to make more details of the case public, whilst the prosecution and defence teams unified to keep further details from entering the public domain.
Judge Melville ruled against making further documents public; on the grounds that it could prejudice a fair trial for Jackson, when his case comes to court in September.
The defence team pushed to have the case dismissed through lack of evidence. The next hearing is scheduled for July the 9th, unless the defence get their way and have it thrown out.
After that there will be another session on the 16th of August, when the judge will decide what evidence can be shown to the jury.
A handful of fans reportedly turned up to the hearing; protesting Jackson's innocence, and declaring that he was put on earth to do something special.
It seems that some have already made their minds up.
This came about as the media lawyers fought to make more details of the case public, whilst the prosecution and defence teams unified to keep further details from entering the public domain.
Judge Melville ruled against making further documents public; on the grounds that it could prejudice a fair trial for Jackson, when his case comes to court in September.
The defence team pushed to have the case dismissed through lack of evidence. The next hearing is scheduled for July the 9th, unless the defence get their way and have it thrown out.
After that there will be another session on the 16th of August, when the judge will decide what evidence can be shown to the jury.
A handful of fans reportedly turned up to the hearing; protesting Jackson's innocence, and declaring that he was put on earth to do something special.
It seems that some have already made their minds up.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
The 1993 Settlement
It seems that the release of the details about Michael Jackson settling an allegation of molestation in 1993, for a cash sum, has raised a few hackles.
Geraldine Hughes (author of Redemption, which deals with the 1993 case) has asked a Michael Jackson fan site to make it clear that the money that paid the settlement did not come from Michael Jackson personally. It is alleged that it came from his insurance company.
The site notes that the insurance settlement was due to the fact that Michael Jackson's constitutional rights had not been protected.
Geraldine Hughes (author of Redemption, which deals with the 1993 case) has asked a Michael Jackson fan site to make it clear that the money that paid the settlement did not come from Michael Jackson personally. It is alleged that it came from his insurance company.
The site notes that the insurance settlement was due to the fact that Michael Jackson's constitutional rights had not been protected.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Not The Only Case in Town
Up until now, Michael Jackson's court appearances in Santa Maria had a certain exclusivity. That was primarily due to the fact that, owing to holidays etc, the rest of the court rooms were closed.
However, it is expected that once the Michael Jackson trial for real starts on the 13th of September the other court rooms will be open.
This means that cases, with less celebrity status, but doubtless equally important to the participants will be taking place at the same time.
This poses a major headache to the courthouse staff and local police. Aside from trying to maintain the integrity and security of the Michael Jackson case, there are also more practical issues such as parking to be considered.
There is also the vexed question as to where to put the media and their technology (cables, phones etc). Doubtless the local sheriff's department have a few private thoughts about where they would like to put them!
However, it is expected that once the Michael Jackson trial for real starts on the 13th of September the other court rooms will be open.
This means that cases, with less celebrity status, but doubtless equally important to the participants will be taking place at the same time.
This poses a major headache to the courthouse staff and local police. Aside from trying to maintain the integrity and security of the Michael Jackson case, there are also more practical issues such as parking to be considered.
There is also the vexed question as to where to put the media and their technology (cables, phones etc). Doubtless the local sheriff's department have a few private thoughts about where they would like to put them!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Where The Nuts Come From
It is reported that Michael Jackson had sent the people who had accused him of molestation to Brazil, for a 3 day trip in March 2003, before they decided to go ahead and press charges against him.
It seems that earlier suggestions by one of Michael's former employees, Vinnie Amen, that the trip lasted 3 weeks were a little "exaggerated". Vinnie Amen is, I understand, being investigated for alleged abduction.
As charming a place as Brazil undoubtedly is; I have no idea quite what was expected that a 3 day trip, with Jackson's assistants, there would achieve.
It seems that earlier suggestions by one of Michael's former employees, Vinnie Amen, that the trip lasted 3 weeks were a little "exaggerated". Vinnie Amen is, I understand, being investigated for alleged abduction.
As charming a place as Brazil undoubtedly is; I have no idea quite what was expected that a 3 day trip, with Jackson's assistants, there would achieve.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Walls Have Ears
Emulating the spirit of WWII campaigns such as "Walls have ears", which warned people to be careful about what they say in case the enemy overheard it; the Michael Jackson team, on his official website, have warned fans to be careful about what they say on the net.
It seems that the team have just noticed that fans are discussing Michael Jackson's forthcoming trial on the net.
Whilst Michael's team note that they support freedom of speech, they caution that fans should be careful about what they post; in case the media and other parties pick it up.
They helpfully suggest that people with information contact them.
Big Brother is Watching You!
It seems that the team have just noticed that fans are discussing Michael Jackson's forthcoming trial on the net.
Whilst Michael's team note that they support freedom of speech, they caution that fans should be careful about what they post; in case the media and other parties pick it up.
They helpfully suggest that people with information contact them.
Big Brother is Watching You!
Sunday, June 20, 2004
It Never Rains, But it Pours
During the conference on the 10th of June, about Michael Jackson's forthcoming trial, Judge Rodney Melville asked both the defence and prosecution teams to come up with proposals as to how the grand jury transcript in the case should be edited.
Based on these proposals, Judge Melville would then decide what to release from the transcripts after the motion to dismiss is filed.
In a flurry of Michael Jackson related legal activity, Superior Court Judge Zel Canter agreed to release most of the documents from Jackson's 1997 civil trial.
This case related to a wrongful termination of employment claim, which was filed by 5 members of Michael Jackson's staff at the time.
Jackson was found innocent, by a Santa Maria jury, of charges which included; wrongful dismissal, harassment, intentionally inflicting emotional distress, assault, eavesdropping and breach of contract.
The media will have a field day picking over these old charges.
Based on these proposals, Judge Melville would then decide what to release from the transcripts after the motion to dismiss is filed.
In a flurry of Michael Jackson related legal activity, Superior Court Judge Zel Canter agreed to release most of the documents from Jackson's 1997 civil trial.
This case related to a wrongful termination of employment claim, which was filed by 5 members of Michael Jackson's staff at the time.
Jackson was found innocent, by a Santa Maria jury, of charges which included; wrongful dismissal, harassment, intentionally inflicting emotional distress, assault, eavesdropping and breach of contract.
The media will have a field day picking over these old charges.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Tricky Stuff, Law
Information is now hitting the net about what went on at the June 10th hearing, in Santa Barbara, in respect of the charges made against Michael Jackson for alleged child molestation.
It seems that Robert Sanger, for the defence, stated that they would be seeking to file a 995 motion by June 25 (when the next hearing is scheduled).
A 955 motion means that the defence is stating that the indictment against Michael Jackson was made without reasonable/probable cause. In other words, the defence team are trying to dismiss the charges.
Judge Melville has ordered that the 955 motion be sealed until a hearing can be held. He wants the arguments to be made publicly, that way the law can be seen to be being upheld.
It seems that Robert Sanger, for the defence, stated that they would be seeking to file a 995 motion by June 25 (when the next hearing is scheduled).
A 955 motion means that the defence is stating that the indictment against Michael Jackson was made without reasonable/probable cause. In other words, the defence team are trying to dismiss the charges.
Judge Melville has ordered that the 955 motion be sealed until a hearing can be held. He wants the arguments to be made publicly, that way the law can be seen to be being upheld.
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