Live Blogging

I doubt too many people will rush to Pajama Guy to get their Michael Jackson news, but as long as it's on TV, I figured I'd live-blog the reading of the verdict. I'll probably write more about it later, after I've had time to reflect.

If he's found guilty of lewd acts upon a child, I'm hearing, he goes to jail immediately. Different from most criminal cases. Many are speculating how he'll survive in prison, but let's wait for the verdict first.

The courthouse, inside and out, is alive, of course. There'll be an audio feed of the verdict, though no video.

It's hard to imagine what Michael Jackson is thinking now. (Though that's always been true.)

There will be a bunch of charges, starting with conspiracy, followed by molesting. Later charges are lesser charges. There was a lot for the jury to handle.

They're all in the courtroom, though there's no audio yet. The court clerk should be starting the proceedings soon.

I wonder how many millions are watching and listening right now. I'm sure the news that the verdict is in spread like wildfire. People at work must be taking time off.

While we're waiting, let's think about the oddity of the jury system to begin with. Citizens used to be collected in the village to give evidence, now they sit quietly and determine the facts. It's an awesome responsibility, having a fellow citizen's life in your hands. At least I hope they realize it's an awesome responsibility.

It's possible, apparently, that there'll be a partial verdict--that the jury finds on certain charges and is hung on others. That would be odd.

The original announcement said the verdict would be read at 1:30 PST, and it's now past 2.

Someone is now suggesting the judge may know the verdict already. And even the prosecutor! That can't be right. Also the defense lawyer. How is this possible? Some commentators are saying it looks good for the prosecutor. We'll know in a minute or two. Funny how this case seems so much bigger than anything the Supreme Court is doing now.

The jury has walked into the courtroom.

Now the judge has entered the courtroom.

I have to admit I feel nervous, though I don't know why.

There's been a lot of secrecy in this trial, even as to questions the jury had for the judge.

Another question: how influenced was this (non-sequestered) jury by all the publicity and open discussion of the case?

By the way, nice weather out there.

Big crowd outside. How will they react? I'd guess most are Jackson fans.

It's now 2:10. (By the way, the time codes attached to these posts, unlessed they're messed with, are based on when the writing starts, not when it ends.)

A prosecutor-commentator is saying there'll be convictions based on the time line of the jury, but she's worried it won't be harsh enough anyway.

The jury is looking at the judge, apparently. Bad for Jackson? Or did they plan it. (When you're a game show contestant, for instance, you're told not to stare at friends in the audience.)

The sound is finally turned on in the courtroom.

The verdict:

Count 1: Not guilty!

Count 2: Not guilty!

Wow! Those are the biggies.

3: Not guilty!

4: Not guilty! (Look 'em up later)

5: Not guilty!

6: Not guilty!

7: Not guilty! (including lesser)

8: Not guilty! (top and bottom)

9: Not guilty! (top and bottom)

10: Not guilty! (top and bottom!)

He runs the table!!!!!!!!!!!

I congratulate the jury on the fine job it has done.

More later.

Columbus Guy adds: LAGuy says, "I doubt too many people will rush to Pajama Guy to get their Michael Jackson news." Maybe so, but I came here first. Except for about 10 minutes today, an accident, I assure you, all of my Michael Jackson news has come from PajamaGuy.