Synonymph wrote:In sex abuse cases the burden of proof is somewhat different...
No, it isn't. It's still reasonable doubt.
Synonymph wrote:....and can include (as it did in the Jackson trial) introduction of prior misconduct evidence.
The introduction of a certain kind of evidence, as apparently happened here, does not mean the sum total of the evidence allowed need not add up to "beyond a reasonable doubt". It does need to meet that standard.
The standard of proof necessary and what kind of evidence the state or judge might allow in this case are two different things.
Now, if some juries simply are disposed against the defendant in a child sex abuse case, which I am sure has happened, that is another matter. They are supposed to render a guilty verdict only if they are convinced the defendant committed the act beyond a reasonable doubt.
Synonymph wrote:Everyone who's proclaiming "REASONABLE DOUBT!!!" or "Show us the DNA!!!" should do a little reading on sex abuse trial procedure (especially as pertains to California jurisprudence....
Perhaps you want to do a little reading yourself.
CBS, in quoting Michael Jackson juror, wrote: And in the end, we had to weigh the evidence and if there was any reasonable doubt, that was the decision that we needed to make."
CBS, in quoting Michael Jackson juror, wrote:The credibility of the witnesses was very poor
Source
While certain types of evidence might be allowed in sex abuse cases, the evidence must still add up to being "beyond a reasonable doubt".