Mental Health Records at Issue for Kobe Bryant Today
Mental health and medical records of the accuser in the Kobe Bryant case are likely to be the focus of today's hearing :
In their boldest move to cast doubt upon the credibility of the woman, the defense attorneys have asked District Court Judge Terry Ruckriegle to admit into evidence the woman's Feb. 23 and May 30 suicide attempts and prescribed anti-psychotic drug treatment. "The purported suicide attempts are highly relevant to establish the accuser's motive, scheme, plan and modus operandi of creating drama in her life in order to get attention," Mackey wrote.
Mackey also wrote that the accusations against Bryant were a continuation of woman's "pattern of engaging in extreme, dangerous, attention-seeking behavior without regard to its effects on those around her. Her behavior and treatment with an anti-psychotic drug also make it more probable that she is not to be believed."
Victims advocacy groups are upset by the motions. We're not:
Veteran Denver criminal defense attorney Jeralyn Merritt backed Mackey and Haddon's strategy.
"They are not abusing the process but using creative and solid lawyering," Merritt said. "Her credibility is relevant. They are using the facts to explain why this woman might have made up this story. They are doing everything they can for their client."
Although, a lot of today's hearing may take place behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of much of the evidence being fought over, the media will be out in force and reports should be plentiful.
Update: The Judge denied the Prosecution's motion for an investigation into media leaks.
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