Jackson Case: Statement expected from the court house soon

[BattyDem]

I just saw this on CourtTV.

On MSNBC's home page, it says:
"Breaking News - Prosecutors, defense attorneys in Michael Jackson case to release joint statement"

Do you think they cut a deal? :shrug:

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. Something is up.

This is highly unusual. Perhaps something new has surfaced or perhaps, just perhaps, Michael has done serious harm to himself.

On edit: a deal at this late date would be highly unlikely and really irregular. It could throw the case into appeals courts for years.

[mike_c]

2. my money's on a mistrial....

What possible "deal" could they have cut? Certainly not a plea bargain-- not at the end of the trial.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

4. Sure

You can cut a plea right up until the jury comes back.

[mike_c]

6. yes, but WHY?

The only reason for Jackson to change his plea is if he's reasonably certain he'll be found guilty anyway, and then only for some promise from the prosecution. If that's the case, what's in it for the DA? Why should the prosecution offer anything at this point if it has a genuine expectation of winning anyway-- especially after having gone to the expense of a show trial?

Sure, you can cut a deal anytime, but realistically, what's the likelihood of it happening at the END of the trial rather than before? What do the parties have to gain from a bargain this late?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

10. They can gain everything they might have gained prior

It's all a matter of what the client wants, what the defense attorneys think of the case as it was presented, what the prosecutors think of the case as it was presented, and so on and so on.

You have to keep in mind that the law is not cut and dried. The law is people, and people change their minds all the time.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

5. Mistrial...

Would be announced by the judge, in open court.

Whatever is up, this is very strange, but then, this whole case is strange.

I would not be surprised if some new facts have emerged that will throw the state's case into chaos.

[BattyDem]

3. Something's weird ...

why would they hold a joint press conference?

[BattyDem]

7. MSNBC headline has changed ...

Now it says, "Judge plans to release statement around 3 p.m. PT"

I bet it's a mistrial!

[edhopper]

8. Sounds like a deal

Deliberations are making both sides nervous. I predict a guilty plea with no prison time. Long probation, big, big fine and mental treatment. Just my guess.

[Walt Starr]

9. Rumor had it one juror was planning on writing a book

I bet a juror gets dismissed.