Dear Shambles, I agree with every word of your post above.

The law concerning 'hearsay' evidence was changed in California in direct reaction to the case brought against Michael Jackson in 1993-1994 (and subsequently dismissed). Because of the civil case being settled by a multi-million dollar settlement between Jackson and the family of his accuser (a male below the age of 14), the law in California was changed so that any statement given to any person under state law who is compelled to report any statement of child abuse (i.e., doctors, nurses, teachers, emergency medical technicians, lawyers, judges, officers of the court, social workers, parents, child care givers) can be given in evidence in lieu of courtroom testimony and cannot be recanted by the juvenile subsequent to a case filed in criminal or civil court.

Accordingly, the courtroom testimony of the juvenile witness and/or victim of abuse cannot be compelled. However, any statement given to any legally obliged reporter to the court cannot be recanted, and can be entered into evidence in lieu of courtroom testimony. This is a very important element of the present situation in which Mr. Jackson finds himself.

I would place my money on Mr. Jackson fleeing jurisdiction, albeit that he has surrendered his passport to the Santa Barbara authorities. He has access to funds that would 'grease the wheels' of many an off-shore jurisdiction -- whether he is actually guilty or not.

I find it extremely sad that any human being could be so excluded from reality -- abetted by his own family, friends and employees -- that his kind of extreme behaviour could be intentionally ignored and, by omission of intervention, encouraged. He so obviously has an emotional and/or physiological disfunction that is screaming for intervention and treatment.

It is sad that such dysfunction and/or mental disease has taken so long, and most likely, has enveloped so many victims, until it is has come to such a public light. If children have been molested, the full extent of the law MUST be applied. If not, this man must be helped with all speed.

-- Áine