Bump and Update: The defense dropped a bombshell. We agree with the legal analysts quoted in the article who speculate it helped Kobe. The hearing will continue next Wednesday. [link fixed.]

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1/9 3:33 pm
Update: Ugly details are coming out. But so far, it's just the direct examination of the detective, no cross yet. People are speculating that Kobe himself might testify.

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original post, 1:30 pm

Contrary to prevailing legal speculation, including our own, Kobe Bryant's attorneys are proceeding with the preliminary hearing in the case. It just started and is expected to last two hours. No reports yet on what portions of the hearing, if any, will be closed to the public. That was decided at a hearing in the last hour. Clearly, if the defense is going forward, they aren't worried about what will come out in the public domain today. The defense is expected to call at least one witness that will challenge the accuser's credibility.

Earlier report is here.