Celebrity Trial Pool

[Aloha Mr. Learned Hand]

Building on the success of the Celebrity Death Pool, and since we are purportedly all lawyers and have proven we are not in the least bit squeamish, I am proud to announce the Celebrity Trial Pool.

This will be an ongoing competition, purely for pride unless someone has a suitable prize (though side wagers are your business), where contestants predict the outcome of notable celebrities' and other infamous characters' brushes with the law. To enter, just make your prediction on the outcomes of the legal matters affecting the five people listed below.

Contestants must be regular posters, as determined at the sole discretion of the Admins. (no multiple sock entries allowed). You cannot make a prediction on a case to which you or your employer have any connection, nor can you do anything to influence the result of the case.

Here are the six choices you have for each case:

1) Guilty as charged on all counts;
2) Acquitted on all charges -- defendant walks;
3) Guilty on some counts or lesser charges, but not all counts. (Must be at least one not guilty returned.)
4) Takes plea;
5) Charges dropped;
6) Other (Flees the country, dies before trial, etc.)

Here are the first five cases:

1. Michael Jackson
2. Scott Peterson
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Robert Blake
5. Phil Spector

As events warrant (and as we receive suggestions, which are welcome), we will add additional cases. Obviously by its nature this will run a long time.

Since there's nothing to win, there's no real need for secrecy so just post your predictions here. Please note that this contest is just for fun and is not intended to provoke deep philosophical discussions as to why a particular contestant believes in a particular outcome.

For the record, here are my predictions --

1. Michael Jackson -- 3
2. Scott Peterson -- 1
3. Kobe Bryant -- 2
4. Robert Blake -- 1
5. Phil Spector -- 3

Thanks for playing, and good luck.