[per loin]

This is from Oklahoma, but may cast some light:

First, the statutory language does not specifically mention any form of impossibility. It simply states that a defendant is guilty of an attempt if he has performed sufficient acts "which would constitute the crime if the attendant circumstances were as he believes them to be." Second, this language, if literally construed, would convict a defendant no matter how absurd the situation or unlikely the success of the attempt. For example, the legally sane but mentally defective individual who truly believes he can effect the death of an enemy by utilizing voodoo magic, so long as the belief in the adequacy of these means is demonstrated, could be convicted of attempted murder, regardless of whether the voodoo rites were practiced hundreds of miles from the location of the intended victim. Note, The Status of Impossibility in Oklahoma Criminal Attempt Law, 31 Okla. L. Rev. 422 (1978).

[ET(end tyranny)]

I would say that anyone paying $150,000 for such service, thinks its possible.

[lonewacko_dot_com]

Is MJ a voodooist? Does the practice the voodoo religion?

But, don't bother answering, because now that I've read the article again I only have one other question: who are the other 23 enemies on his list?

Other possibles:
Tommy Mottola
Kathie Lee Gifford
Mr. Rogers
Bubbles the Chimp

[jackbob]

Very interesting. Forget the actual feeding of Magic Fairy Pixel Dust (since as stated, it doesn't exist). The question is simplified, by keeping it narrow. Is the act of hiring (or conspiring with) another person to commit an act of murder, by using a non-existant dust, a magical hex, or some voodoo practice a crime?

I believe it is. Jackson should be charged with either attempted murder or conspiracy to commit murder. Obviously, his sanity can be made a defense issue once he has been charged. But it would be very wrong to disregard this because one likes his music, is attracted to his unusual behavior and looks, or because he is just an eccentric rich person.

A crime is a crime, regardless of who commits it.

[ArcLight]

I went to bed and didn't see your post on Oklahoma law. So in Oklahoma, you can be imprisoned for attempted murder if you hire a witch doctor...oooookay. Thanks for sharing. :-)

Good catch. But seriously, this is one of those cases in which "the law is a ass," as Dickens would say. I still can't imagine a jury bringing in a conviction.

You wouldn't happen to know what federal law says on the issue?