Let me just say this right up front: I didn’t follow the Michael Jackson trial. However, over the course of the trial, and my regular watching of the news, I did hear updates and developments in the case. It was just reported a verdict has been reached.
From what I’ve heard, I expected Jackson to be acquitted on all or most of the charges. Despite the fact I think he truly is a wacko, I will not be surprised if he leaves the courtroom a free man/woman/child today.
I have yet to serve on a jury. I have been called to jury duty twice, but never had to serve. I imagine this case was an intriguing one to have been a juror for. Since I obviously didn’t watch the trial, I can’t predict what my decision would be, but from what little I’ve heard, it seems to me the defense did a good job of establishing reasonable doubt. The fact is I am equally suspicious of the family involved in this case as am of Jackson. Despite the reasonable suspicion that Jackson is guilty of what he has been accused, you’re only supposed to vote to convict if you believe the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
We’ll know in about 35 minutes…
UPDATE: Not guilty on all counts…
It’s funny how everyone prefaces Jackson comments with “I didn’t follow it, but…”
I didn’t follow it either (I swear!) but passing references were unavoidable. I’ve lived my entire life thinking Michael Jackson was the most disturbed human being ever to draw breath.
Then I saw his fans…
I have a self-imposed rule about never judging a court case based upon press reports. The press are like jackals – they live off fear and a gang mentality. You can’t tell if they are telling the whole truth, pushing an agenda, or just inept.
You have to leave it to the jury. Sometimes, I don’t like their decisions – but I still believe in the system. Corny huh?
That trial was incredibly over-covered. He’s a freak.