Michael Jackson's Acquital- Does it Mean Anything?

On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson suddenly passed away. His death has invoked a variety of responses from the general public. Just today, over 1.6 million people applied for tickets to Mr. Jackson's memorial service in Los Angeles.

Yet, not everyone is mourning his death. For many, the allegations of child molestation have overshadowed his five decades of contributions to American pop culture. Yet, Michael Jackson was never convicted of any offense related to child abuse. In fact, on June 13, 2005, he was acquitted of such charges. Nonetheless, many still feel he is guilty with no excuse for his actions.

Of course, the resistance to accepting Mr. Jackson's innocence may be tied to his unusual behavior or his settlement of a civil suit, on similar charges, for a staggering $22 million dollars. Yet, unusual conduct does not make one a child molester. Also, the motivations of the litigants in the civil action may be questioned by their acceptance of money in lieu of testifying in criminal court.

We will never know whether Mr. Jackson ever committed an act of child molestation. All the public can do is speculate. Unfortunately, this speculation sometimes becomes reality. A reality which has never been, nor ever will, be proven in a court of law.

Defense Criminal Attorney Redwood City San Mateo