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Defense Rests in Michael Jackson Trial

update

Michael Jackson arrives at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for defense testimony
Defense lawyers have rested their case in Michael Jackson's trial on child molestation charges, without putting the pop star on the witness stand.

The prosecution has already begun its rebuttal, and legal analysts say the sides could make their closing arguments and give the case to the jury by the middle of next week.

In three weeks of testimony, the defense has attempted to show that Mr. Jackson's accuser and his family have a history of targeting celebrities for favors and money.

Lawyers had hinted Mr. Jackson would testify on his own behalf, but jurors heard only from other celebrities who have interacted with the family, including comedians Jay Leno and Chris Tucker.

Mr. Jackson is accused of molesting the boy at his Neverland Ranch in California two years ago, when the boy was 13 years old.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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