This week in pop culture and law is dedicated to Joe Jackson, who is expected to start the process for a wrongful death suit just days before Dr. Conrad Murray‘s April 5 preliminary hearing on manslaughter charges. Unfortunately for Joe, this may be over before it starts. In California, only Michael Jackson‘s heirs and dependents can sue for wrongful death. That may limit the possible plaintiffs to MJ’s kids and Katherine Jackson, unless Joe can prove MJ was supporting him. Moreover, wrongful death cases are about money, but Dr. Murray doesn’t have much and may have a hard time making a living for a long time. And, if the defense can show that MJ is making more in death than when he was alive, the case sinks. Exhibit #1: the $200 million record deal recently brokered by the executors of MJ’s estate. Have a good weekend, Popbytes peeps!
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