From a reader:

Let me try to split hairs on MJ between you and Derb:
A just verdict (in my opinion) would have been a plea agreement with a sentence that included serious counseling and probably some time at an institution. I agree that the prosecution’s case was deeply flawed, and I also don’t think he’s seriously evil, but I also don’t think he’s “sweet.”
MJ is seriously deranged and in need of some help. The kids anywhere in his universe, meanwhile, are evidently at some risk. The proper psychiatric help would be in my mind the perfect justice: Shield him from society, for the kids’ protection (yes I know you hate when people invoke “the kids” but work with me); but also shield him from the true brutes in prison and get him exactly the help he needs.
Moreover, we in America like a good turnaround story. Going back to the Greeks, we have worshipped heroes based on flaws as well as strengths. How nice would it have been for him to have gone under in an institution for awhile, gotten help, confessed in some kind of Swaggart-moment, and started touring again? Would anything short of a court order have made him go?
Alas, no. And he won’t get any of that. He’ll just get mockery. And the beat goes on . . .