Jackson Judge Allows Expert Testimony
Friday, January 21, 2005
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SANTA MARIA, Calif. — The judge in the Michael Jackson (search) case Friday gave prosecutors permission to introduce expert testimony on misperceptions and myths about child molestation during the pop star's trial.
Prosecutors said at a hearing that they want an expert to testify about why victims sometimes wait to report molestation, give incomplete accounts, avoid telling close relatives and retain affection for their abusers.
Jackson's attorneys argued against allowing such testimony, telling Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville (search) that it could be used to buttress unreliable testimony from the alleged victim and his family.
Defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. (search) said such testimony should not be allowed if he can prove the boy and his family "aren't victims at all, they're flat-out liars."
Jackson, 46, is set to go on trial Jan. 31 on charges of molesting the boy and plying him with alcohol.
Mesereau said the family has made inconsistent statements to police, social workers, Jackson and Jackson's employees. He also said the defense would show the family had lied repeatedly.
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