The judge overseeing the Michael Jackson child molestation trial said sexually explicit material seized from Neverland Ranch, including magazines and movies, can be presented as evidence.

Rodney S. Melville, the judge in the Santa Monica case, also said the documentary shot by Martin Bashir in 2003, which shows the boy who is accusing Jackson of sexual molestation holding hands with the pop singer, will also be allowed to be presented. Jackson says in the documentary that he shares beds with children.

The judge said that the boy, now 15, should appear in the open courtroom, not in a closed room. The boy will be referred to in court as his real name, which is not being widely reported, or by “John Doe 1,” as is written in many court documents.

The magazines and other sexually explicit material may not be referred to as “pornographic,” “obscene” or “erotic,” the judge said, because they have specific legal definitions. Some of the material is reportedly photos of nude children.

The trial begins on Monday (Jan. 31) with jury selection, which could take a month.

Jackson has pleaded not guilty to the 10 charges, including child molestation and kidnapping.

The accuser’s younger brother is also expected to testify.

Several members of the media and the public will be allowed into the court room.






Related Stories: