tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post7253075296585787633..comments2024-02-24T18:44:39.324-08:00Comments on Trials & Tribulations: Dr. Conrad Murray Arraignment on Involuntary Manslaughter ChargesSprockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-47821159741836491032011-02-02T17:36:31.585-08:002011-02-02T17:36:31.585-08:00Definitions from Black’s Law Dictionary, 8th Editi...Definitions from Black’s Law Dictionary, 8th Edition:<br /><br /><b>Malice</b>,<i> n</i>. 1. The intent, without justification or excuse, to commit a wrongful act. 2. Reckless disregard of the law of a person’s legal rights. 3. Ill will, wickedness of heart.<br /><br /><b>Malice aforethought</b>. The requisite mental state for common-law murder, encompassing any one of the following: (1) the intent to kill, (2) the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, (3) extremely reckless indifference to the value of human life (the so-called abandoned and malignant heart), or (4) the intent to commit a dangerous felony (which leads to the culpability under the murder-felony rule).<br /><br /><b>Murder</b>: The killing of a human being with malice aforethought. <br /><br /><b>Depraved-heart murder</b>. A murder resulting from an act so reckless and careless of the safety of others that it demonstrated the perpetuator’s complete lack of regard for human life. <br /><br />I am certain investigators combed the earth in an effort to find someone who was prepared to testify under oath that Conrad Murray said to anyone that he hated Michael Jackson and wished ill-will on him. There was no malice. Murray wanted his meal ticket to show up for rehearsal, to go to London and make lots of money.<br /><br />A more likely explanation of Murray’s ineffective CPR was simply this: he’d never had to do it in real-life. Believe me, watching dramatizations on television do not prepare you for those first few effective chest compressions. You have to push down HARD, nothing like you see in films. You will probably feel the ribs separate from the sternum and hear a crack. I’ve done CPR in-hospital and that’s what I experienced. Never in a hospital setting did I perform CPR on the floor. <br /><br />You don’t often see CPR depicted in film showing a patient being moved to the floor or being lifted long enough to put a backboard underneath to create a hard surface. In a hospital setting, there is usually a short backboard easily available to enable effective CPR in a bed or gurney, creating a firm surface. <br /><br />Murray was a cardiologist, and I’ve not read anywhere that he was a cardiologist who performed diagnostic or treatment procedures a la angiograms or stent placement (I’m open to being told otherwise). I doubt he was called upon to perform much if any CPR in a clinical setting—usually the physician directs care, and the actual CPR is carried out by nurses or EMTs (a respiratory therapist usually takes care of respirations, though a nurse or EMT can squeeze an Ambu bag just the same). Certainly Murray was able to read an EKG and knew the gig was up once the paramedics applied those electrodes to Jackson’s chest. <br /><br />Just because the deceased was famous does not mean the law can or will be re-written to make his or her fans or family happy with revenge if that death was at the hands of others. I am sure Lana Clarkson’s family wanted first-degree murder charges against Phil Spector. Jackson’s death will certainly change the way and expectations of how doctors deliver at-home care, and controls on the administration and sale of propofol.CaliGirl9https://www.blogger.com/profile/06639398512708841968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-43013643024973578782011-01-26T21:41:26.666-08:002011-01-26T21:41:26.666-08:00The witness list(s) will become public very close ...The witness list(s) will become public very close to when the trial actually starts.<br /><br />I do know the prosecution usually releases theirs. I don't know if the defense will "have to" release theirs unless ordered to do so by Judge Pastor. I do know they will have to at least give the prosecution 24 hours notice as to "who" they will call next when they put on their case.<br /><br />Remember, I am not optimistic the trial will start on March 28th.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-7818721332543116242011-01-26T20:58:10.781-08:002011-01-26T20:58:10.781-08:00Sprocket
Will the possible witness lists become p...Sprocket<br /><br />Will the possible witness lists become public?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-9896870919326126432011-01-26T19:39:13.378-08:002011-01-26T19:39:13.378-08:00Can you explain how Dr. Murray committed fraud? P...Can you explain how Dr. Murray committed fraud? Please look up the definition of fraud.<br /><br />He lied about having a clinic in Santa Monica, but that's not the same as fraud. <b> He had the legal right to buy the drugs, regardless.</b> He did have a local clinic/office....<br /><br />Conspiracy to commit.....what?<br /><br />I think the DA's office went with what they could easily prove, not with going for the challenge of making case law. Much harder to prove implied malice in this case.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-70765269778258610652011-01-26T19:24:47.166-08:002011-01-26T19:24:47.166-08:00"There are strict laws governing patient care..."There are strict laws governing patient care in hospitals and clinics. The laws are not as stringent covering patient care within homes and Dr.'s offices.<br /><br />It's because of current law governing those actions why Dr. Murray was only charged with involuntary manslaughter."<br /><br />But we also know that case law is made every day around the country, so current law can change.<br /><br />The emails between AEG and the doctor also clearly showed shared knowledge of the circumstances.<br /><br />Why not add conspiracy to the charges?<br /><br />Why not charge the doctor with fraud for how the powerful meds were obtained?<br /><br />Why not let the jury decide which charges to uphold?<br /><br />Max 4 years is simply laughable!<br /><br />Everything reeks of more than just malice!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-4202103738191791092011-01-26T18:36:01.168-08:002011-01-26T18:36:01.168-08:00About the issue of "malice".. One would ...About the issue of "malice".. One would think that a doctor who sees his patient in fatal distress in a home setting who delays calling 911 could be called malicious.<br />Incompetence would not cover it. 3 year olds call 911 when they see someone in distress.<br />Delaying that crucial call for no other apparent reason than to "clean up" reeks of malice...Ebonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15879499038396859111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-41603920554306242162011-01-26T17:40:37.446-08:002011-01-26T17:40:37.446-08:00tiya,
Please understand that a lot can happen in ...tiya,<br /><br />Please understand that a lot can happen in the next 51 days. <br /><br />I will be blown away if all parties can agree on what questions they are allowed to ask potential jurors in the next couple of weeks.<br /><br />Never mind the arguments concerning what is and is not allowed in as evidence during trial.<br /><br />We still don't know how Judge Pastor is going to rule on cameras. He could decide on Feb 7th, he could hear arguments that day and decide a couple of weeks later.<br /><br />Even though the defendant has requested a speedy trial, I am not optimistic that jury selection will start on March 28th. But I have been surprised before.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-79050031341247404752011-01-26T17:31:06.407-08:002011-01-26T17:31:06.407-08:00Sprocket, if the court allows video and, as stated...Sprocket, if the court allows video and, as stated,you will end your reporting, would you still post your comments and analysis of the proceedings? Would so miss T & T team comments, and KZ, if available and willing. <br /><br />I can't imagine anyone reading your work would feel they could really understand all of this without you.tiyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-20360890990924462632011-01-26T14:36:35.789-08:002011-01-26T14:36:35.789-08:00Linda New York:
I think some of your questions wil...Linda New York:<br />I think some of your questions will be answered in Part 3, of KZ's 4 part series.<br /><br />Dr. Murray has a medical responsibility to his patient. It is an un-equal relationship. Dr. Murray holds the cards to access to drugs, and patient care. Doesn't matter how much money the patient has.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-63793717795170510302011-01-26T14:27:26.046-08:002011-01-26T14:27:26.046-08:00Pardon, if this is off topic of Murray's arrai...Pardon, if this is off topic of Murray's arraignment. <br /><br />Am I the only one who thinks Michael Jackson had SOME hand in his own death? How much money did he dangle in front of the doctor? I am not saying this Dr. should not have known better, but it seems to me MJ bears responsibility as well. I suppose that is why the Dr. Murray was charged with "involuntary" manslaughter?<br />+++++++<br />By the way, I read here often (mostly on the Casey Anthony case) and love the writing style and the wonderful information on all articles!<br /><br />LindaNewYorkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-7371493061632850852011-01-26T12:58:28.767-08:002011-01-26T12:58:28.767-08:00I just have to add here, that the laws governing a...I just have to add here, that the laws governing a doctor treating a patient at home, are not the same as laws governing a doctor treating a patient in a clinic or hospital.<br /><br />They are not the same. There are strict laws governing patient care in hospitals and clinics. The laws are not as stringent covering patient care within homes and Dr.'s offices.<br /><br />It's because of current law governing those actions why Dr. Murray was only charged with involuntary manslaughter.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-30305358343356745942011-01-26T11:52:44.639-08:002011-01-26T11:52:44.639-08:00Anon @11:30 am:
It's the difference between fi...Anon @11:30 am:<br />It's the difference between first degree murder 187 (premeditated) and second degree (not premeditated).<br /><br />Ah, the old, what constitutes a "malignant heart" and can I prove the doctor had a malignant heart.<br /><br />The DA's office, to charge 2nd degree would have to PROVE the doctor's actions implied malice, a "malignant heart".<br /><br />The doctor setting up the situation to treat a patient with insomnia, using propofol is gross negligence of his duties as a physician, but I don't see where the DA's office can prove the malice/malignant heart to qualify for 2nd degree murder/homicide.<br /><br />Believe you me, I'm sure the DA's office looked at this too, and tried every which way they could to present the evidence to support 2nd degree. The fact that they didn't charge Dr. Murray with 2nd degree, tells me they thought they could not prove 2nd degree.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-69613180312167846592011-01-26T11:30:29.862-08:002011-01-26T11:30:29.862-08:00"It is implied, when no considerable provocat..."It is implied, when no considerable provocation appears, or when the circumstances attending the killing show an abandoned and malignant heart."<br /><br />What does this mean?<br /><br />Circumstances were set up by the doctor that should NOT have existed in the first place, and were even further extenuated after the fatality.<br /><br />Isn't this more than "implied?"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-40253020701821329932011-01-26T10:13:51.086-08:002011-01-26T10:13:51.086-08:00Anon @ 9:15 pm:
What specific facts of the case th...Anon @ 9:15 pm:<br />What specific facts of the case that have been revealed so far, convince you that Dr. Murray actions showed "malice?"<br /><br />Can you please explain because I don't see it. As I see it and as I understand the law, gross incompetence in the medical profession when treating a patient, does not necessarily rise to the level of malice, so that malice murder can be charged.<br /><br />If you read 187 and 188 of the California Penal Code (I've added a link to it on the QUICK LINKS PAGE since I know this will come up again), to convict on first or second degree murder in California, <i>malice</i> must be present.<br /><br />Here is the law for 188:<br /><br />QUOTE:<br />188. Such malice may be express or implied. It is express when there is manifested a deliberate intention unlawfully to take away the life of a fellow creature. It is implied, when no considerable provocation appears, or when the circumstances attending the killing show an abandoned and malignant heart.<br /><br />When it is shown that the killing resulted from the intentional doing of an act with express or implied malice as defined above, no other mental state need be shown to establish the mental state of malice aforethought. Neither an awareness of the obligation to act within the general body of laws regulating society nor acting despite such awareness is included within the definition of malice.<br />END QUOTE<br /><br />What <b>facts of the case,</b> would <b><i>prove</i></b> Dr. Murray acted with implied malice, as described in the California Penal Code?<br /><br />As far as I can see, there are none.<br /><br />Anon @ 7:26 am:<br />Fans can write letters to the DA's office, but all it will do is to make you feel like you've done something. It will not have any impact on the DA's office. The DA's office is not influenced by letters from Michael Jackson fans.<br /><br />The DA's office took their time in bringing charges. I believe that's because they looked at this case from every which way they possibly could and ended up charging Dr. Murray with the highest charge they could PROVE, based on the requirements of California law.<br /><br />I don't believe higher charges or additional charges will ever be added. If there were other charges the DA's office could add on, that would have happened in the initial charging document.<br /><br />I think part of the problem is, many of the people following this case are unfamiliar with the California Penal Code. They may be thinking about charges that could be brought in their own native country, and wondering why the same charge isn't happening in this case.<br /><br />I hope that explains why the charges won't change during trial or later. I'm hoping I won't need to address this again. Now I'm off to add links for the California Penal Code to the Dr. Murray Quick Links Page.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-25378107240928294112011-01-26T07:26:59.088-08:002011-01-26T07:26:59.088-08:00As things stand at this time, the defense is worki...As things stand at this time, the defense is working with ONLY 4 years MAXIMUM prison time which they will no doubt fight to whittle down or eliminate altogether. They basically have nothing to lose and couldn't have asked for a better scenario! Their client will either walk free, or be out in no time to collect and enjoy his big payoff, making him set financially for life, not needing his license!<br /><br />Jackson fans and supporters need to come out in full force and push the prosecution to "up" the charges and add smaller ones to increase the total max prison time. More than sufficient evidence already exists for the prosecution to successfully do this!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-25646384689946687682011-01-25T21:15:32.660-08:002011-01-25T21:15:32.660-08:00Thanks for your response and for providing the lin...Thanks for your response and for providing the link.<br /><br />Based on the info on current CA law and the info revealed in the pre-trial hearings, the charges need to be increased to at least second degree murder.<br /><br />Since there's still the opportunity to "up" the charges during the trial, by requesting a new trial with new evidence, the prosecution needs to continue its investigations before and DURING the trial.<br /><br />It seems that the defense wants to speed things up to stop any further investigations and force the prosecution to focus on quickly presenting the case with what they already have.<br /><br />Wouldn't a petition help in pressuring the prosecution to "up" the charges as the law allows?<br /><br />Also, why weren't smaller charges added to increase the total prison time?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-54303256753281277312011-01-25T19:13:11.610-08:002011-01-25T19:13:11.610-08:00DarklySky:
Clarification. Dr. Murray did not &qu...DarklySky:<br /><br />Clarification. Dr. Murray did not "lose" his medical license in California. That can only happen through the California Medical Board revoking it.<br /><br />The Judge <i>temporarily</i> took away his ability to practice in California <i>until the charges against him are settled.</i><br /><br />The defense attorneys <i>say</i> that they are ready, but lets see how things play out (hammering out potential juror questionnaires, getting potential evidence ruled admissible or inadmissible) over the next 51 days.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-36429326025895569012011-01-25T18:39:57.386-08:002011-01-25T18:39:57.386-08:00My theory regarding the defense requesting a speed...My theory regarding the defense requesting a speedy trial date... Murray lost his medical license in California a couple of weeks ago right after the preliminary trial. That may jeopardize his standing in Nevada and Texas, as many times once a doctor loses his license in one state, the others will follow. Possibly they are hoping that Texas and Nevada will not proceed with anything as long as a trial date seems near (just to see where this goes). I don't know... just a theory. I can't figure out why else the rush, unless they (the defense) thinks the prosecution is not going to be well prepared.DarklySkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12000899245653554832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-52046151511180287412011-01-25T18:10:12.302-08:002011-01-25T18:10:12.302-08:00NOTE: I have the counting of days wrong. It'...NOTE: I have the counting of days wrong. It's CALENDAR DAYS, not court days. By my calculations, Dr. Murray is going to trial 51 days from today. That's within the 60 days required by law.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-32536229479023070062011-01-25T17:36:47.695-08:002011-01-25T17:36:47.695-08:00The speedy trial does not prevent the prosecution ...The speedy trial does not prevent the prosecution from continuing the investigation. It will be ongoing.<br /><br />You have to remember, it's been a long time since Jackson died. The LAPD, and the police have had a lot of time to do an investigation before a preliminary hearing was held and Murray was bound over for trial.<br /><br />I wrote about the charges and whether or not they can be increased before in my Q& A entry.<br /><br />Here is the link.<br /><br /><a href="http://sprocket-trials.blogspot.com/2011/01/q-dr-conrad-murray-preliminary-hearing.html" rel="nofollow">01/18/11 Q & A: Dr. Conrad Murray Preliminary Hearing</a><br /><br />For the prosecution to try to increase the charges at this time would require a NEW preliminary hearing. They cannot "up" the charges under this current charging document without seriously violating the rights of the defendant.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-49208340046915198002011-01-25T17:29:42.696-08:002011-01-25T17:29:42.696-08:00Do you think the speedy trial was called to preven...Do you think the speedy trial was called to prevent the prosecution from doing any further investigations of others?<br /><br />Do you think it is possible for the prosecution to increase the charges or add more charges at this time?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-74521320532710313672011-01-25T14:11:01.383-08:002011-01-25T14:11:01.383-08:00"Right to a speedy trial" means, 60 (bus..."Right to a speedy trial" means, 60 (business/court) days from when the defendant is bound over for trial.<br /><br />On January 11th, he was bound over for trial. I haven't counted it out exactly, but I'm betting March 28th, is within the 60 court days from that date.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-43723605371069923862011-01-25T13:33:36.433-08:002011-01-25T13:33:36.433-08:00Diane Diamond (not a really credible or liked sour...Diane Diamond (not a really credible or liked source) is saying the trial is set for NEXT year. This isn't true right. The date is March 28th 2011, right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-89941876768497806822011-01-25T13:26:58.030-08:002011-01-25T13:26:58.030-08:00Hi David,
The situation is different here. Simps...Hi David,<br /><br />The situation is different here. Simpson was arrested days after he killed his ex-wife and Ron Goldman. <br /><br />From my understanding, the prosecution took their time in charging Dr. Murray, and then took a longer time to get to a preliminary hearing. That's lots and lots of time to prepare.Sprockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-26893962108379586302011-01-25T13:17:23.119-08:002011-01-25T13:17:23.119-08:00Pushing for a speedy trial is what the O.J. Simpso...Pushing for a speedy trial is what the O.J. Simpson defense team did. One reason was that Simpson's popularity would diminish over time. Another was that the prosecution would have less time to get ready. <br /><br />Opening statements in the Simpson criminal trial came seven months after the murders. <br /><br /><br /><br />David In TNAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com