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Americans Offer Mixed Views on Jackson Verdict
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in the United States are divided over the final outcome of the Michael Jackson trial, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 34 per cent of respondents agree with the verdict, while 48 per cent disagree.
Jackson faced charges of molesting a 13-year-old former cancer patient, giving the boy alcohol, conspiring to abduct him, and extortion. The trial began on Feb. 28. In his opening statement, Santa Barbara County district attorney Tom Sneddon—who led the prosecution—accused Jackson of "showing (children) sexually explicit magazines." Jackson's attorney Thomas Mesereau described the charges against the singer as "fictitious, they're bogus and they never happened."
On Jun. 13, the 12-person jury issued a "not guilty" verdict on each of the counts Jackson faced. 47 per cent of respondents are surprised by the outcome, 34 per cent feel sad, 27 per cent are pleased and 24 per cent feel outrage.
A conviction would have carried a penalty of up to 20 years in prison for the 46-year-old Jackson. 62 per cent of respondents believe the singer's celebrity status was a major factor in the way the case unfolded.
Polling Data
As you may know, the jury in the Michael Jackson trial announced their verdict today that Jackson is not guilty of sexually molesting a young boy. Do you agree or disagree with the verdict?
Agree | 34% |
Disagree | 48% |
No opinion | 18% |
Please tell me whether each of the following describes or does not describe your reaction to the jury's verdict.
Yes | No | |
Surprised | 47% | 52% |
Sad | 34% | 62% |
Pleased | 27% | 67% |
Outraged | 24% | 73% |
Just your best guess, do you think Michael Jackson's celebrity status was a major factor, a minor factor, or not a factor at all in the jury's verdict?
Major factor | 62% |
Minor factor | 17% |
Not a factor at all | 18% |
No opinion | 3% |
Source: Gallup / CNN / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 635 American adults, conducted on Jun. 13, 2005. Margin of error is 4 per cent.
