Episode 3

Thomas Mesereau for Michael Jackson

There wasn't a bigger star than Michael Jackson.  And there wasn't a bigger trial than People of the State of California v. Michael Jackson, the four and a half month case in Santa Maria, California. 

The King of Pop needed the absolute best trial lawyer he could find as the stakes couldn't have been higher. Stars lined the audience and the witness stand in a trial with wall-to-wall coverage. The question to be answered at trial: Was Neverland Ranch the site of childhood fantasy or unthinkable nightmares? 

Everyone had an opinion on how Jackson and his lawyer should defend the case. Tom Mesereau had to put aside the noise and trust what got him there -- his trial lawyer instincts. From picking the jury to cross examining the complaining witnesses to deciding whether to call Michael Jackson himself to the stand, Mesereau made the right decision each and every time despite enormous criticism along the way. 

About the Podcast

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For the Defense with David Oscar Markus
Federal criminal defense attorney David Oscar Markus interviews famed trial lawyers about their most fascinating cases.

About your hosts

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Alfred Spellman

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David Markus

A criminal trial and appellate lawyer at Markus/Moss.