Bill Cosby Quips To Security, 'Don't Tase Me, Bro'
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS/AP) -- Bill Cosby joked, 'Don't tase me, bro,'" as he was being wanded by security officers on his way into a suburban Philadelphia courtroom.
The actor and comedian entered the courthouse Tuesday morning for a hearing on whether prosecutors will be able to call more than a dozen accusers as witnesses at his upcoming sexual assault trial.
The bulk of the morning spent on clerical duties, documenting what evidence will be used in this hearing, it sounds boring, but even that had some fireworks.
The prosecution objected to two large binders - several inches thick -- of evidence from the defense. Prosecutors say the press clippings and other items in the binders are not relevant and is only designed to intimidate witnesses.
The defense saying these are not children and most of these women have already done interviews and public speaking on their allegations.
That prompted a shouting match between DA Kevin Steele and defense attorney Brian McMonigle, the judge had to order both men to lower their voices.
In question here, what's called prior bad acts, prosecutors want to put 13 other women with what they say are similar accusations against Cosby.
The defense is arguing the women should not be allowed to testify for a variety of reasons including the length of time since some of the events in question, some dating back to the 60s.
This is a key to the prosecution's case, the judge even noting that saying that's why he's scheduled two days for this hearing. It will have a drastic effect on the case, as this will decide if this is simply Cosby versus his accuser, of if he faces at trial not only his accuser, but also up to 13 other women with similar allegations.
Lawyers for Cosby are trying to limit the number of other accusers who can testify at a trial involving accusations by Andrea Constand.
Prosecutors want to show Cosby had a pattern of drugging and molesting women.
The defense will attack their credibility and relevance to his 2004 encounter with Constand.
The hearing is expected to run through Wednesday.
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