Jackson Prosecutor Allowed to Use Molest Expert

 

By Sally Ann Connell, Special to theTimes

 

 

SANTA MARIA ?? The prosecution in the molestation case against pop star Michael Jackson will be allowed to bring in an expert to describe how children behave after child abuse, the judge ruled today.

 

Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville granted the motion this morning over the defense objections in a pretrial session.

 

Jackson attorney Thomas A. Mesereau said that the prosecution is making a desperate attempt to bolster what he described a "horrific problem" with their case.

 

Jackson, 46, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he sexually abused a boy in 2003 and conspired to cover it up. The alleged victim, now 15, is expected to take the witness stand, as is his brother, who is a year younger.

 

"What if they are flat out liars?" Mesereau said of the witnesses. "What if they have a history of lying? What if the boy lied in the past to help his mother obtain money through the legal process?"

 

Ronald J. Zonen, a deputy district attorney, argued strenuously that such an expert was important to "dispel myths commonly associated with child sexual abuse trauma."

 

Zonen said there are four issues that commonly cause confusion among jurors, and are played up by the defense: the late reporting of child abuse by the victim; the piecemeal report of child abuse; why the report of abuse wasn't made to a close relative; and why the victims continue to display affection and even love toward the abuser.

 

The unnamed expert will be able to testify to how such confusing behavior is the result of a specific "grooming process," Zonen said.

 

Melville granted the motion, but said there will be strict limits that will be discussed before the expert testifies.

 

In other pretrial matters, Melville decided to keep the questionnaires that will be given to prospective jurors out of public view. The judge also said that he was dissatisfied with the lengthy questionnaire, which had been submitted by both legal teams, and was in the process of making major changes.

 

"Quite frankly I've gutted it," Melville told attorneys. "I don't know how many pages you gave me. But there is about seven pages left."

 

Outside the courthouse, authorities had been preparing for an onslaught of media and visitors that are expected to descend once the trial starts Jan. 31 with jury selection.

 

Cyclone fencing and other barriers have been placed around the building that will keep crowds off the courthouse property and limit them to adjacent streets.

 

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-012105j...-home-headlines

*blink* okies....i dont get it, what are they trying to prove?

*blink* okies....i dont get it, what are they trying to prove?

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my thoughts exactially!!

haha...im glad im not alone...im so confused! LOL

Like we already know, the prosecutors are wacko.

yeah, they are...but his is just....i dunno even! its so wierd...it seems like something the defense should be doing, ya know?