As  developments continue to unfold in the death of pop music star Michael Jackson, speculation about whether or not prosecutors will bring homicide charges continues to swirl. DePaul University has legal experts available to discuss events as they happen. Here are a few of DePaul’s experts:

Len Cavise, professor, DePaul University College of Law. Cavise is a noted criminal defense attorney with expertise in areas such as evidence and criminal procedure. Cavise can discuss such topics as the evidence necessary to file criminal charges and the elements of  gross negligence and criminal malpractice.  “A doctor’s recklessness is definitely grounds to bring homicide charges,” said Cavise. “There are thousands of doctors out there prescribing drugs to patients without really knowing what effect they could have on their patients.   Propofol is an anesthetic. You can’t give an anesthetic to someone who just wants to go to sleep.” Cavise can be reached at 312/362-6841, 708/704-5965 or lcavise@depaul.edu.

Andrea Lyon, clinical professor of law and director of the Center for Justice in Capital Cases, DePaul University College of Law.  Lyon is a nationally recognized expert in the field of criminal and death penalty defense.  Formerly an attorney with  the Cook County Public Defender’s Office,  she served as chief of its Homicide Task Force.  She has defended more than 130 homicide cases. “There’s a difference between moral culpability and criminal and medical culpability,” said Lyon. “Despite what people are saying,  just because something is clearly repugnant it is not the same thing as being criminal.”  Lyon can be reached at 312.362.8294, 312/6122-0736 or alyon1@depaul.edu.

Freeman Farrow, assistant professor of law, DePaul University College of Law.  As a medical doctor and an attorney, Farrow can offer a unique perspective on developments in the Michael Jackson death investigation.   Farrow, who teaches courses in health care law and regulation at DePaul also has been an urgent visit physician with Michigan’s Emergency Physicians Medical Group since 1994.  He can comment on the legal and ethical issues involved with physicians prescribing medications.  Farrow can be reached at 312/362-6706,  313/550-7345 or ffarrow@depaul.edu.