The Denver Post
Issues at stake in this week's Bryant hearing
Tuesday, April 27, 2004 -
Here are key issues in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case scheduled for consideration during three days of hearings this week:
- Closed hearings on relevancy of the alleged victim's consensual sexual activities in the days before and hours after her June 30 encounter with Bryant. Defense says woman's injuries could be explained by multiple sexual partners and suggests having sex after the alleged encounter with Bryant is not consistent with behavior expected of a rape victim. The woman's attorney denies that she had a sexual partner shortly after Bryant. He and prosecutors say information about her sexual activities has nothing to do with whether she consented to sex with Bryant. - Closed hearing on whether Bryant was questioned illegally by sheriff's investigators, and whether his recorded statements and other evidence should be thrown out. Defense says Bryant was in custody without having been read his rights. Prosecutors say he voluntarily talked with investigators and turned over physical evidence. - Hearing on the woman's request to quickly schedule a trial and on the prosecution's request to have Bryant enter a plea. All parties have said they want to go to trial as quickly as possible; defense and prosecution blame each other for any delays. - Hearing on defense request to have judge ensure it has been given all relevant evidence. Prosecutors say everything that should be turned over has been given to the defense. - Hearing on prosecution request to quash a defense subpoena issued to a friend of the alleged victim seeking photos and written communication. Prosecutors are questioning the purpose of the subpoena and arguing the defense did not follow proper procedures. Defense says proposed restrictions could violate Bryant's rights. |