【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. implicate [IM-pli-keyt] (v.) – to reveal that someone is involved in an activity, especially a crime
Example: The statements of witnesses implicate the suspect in drug dealing and theft.
2. neglect [ni-GLEKT] (v.) – to ignore someone or something
Example: Neglecting his disease caused his worsening health.
3. hold (someone) responsible [hohld ri-SPON-suh-buh l] (v. phrase) – to accuse or put the blame on a person
Example: They held him responsible for starting the fire after evidences were revealed.
4. liability [lahy-uh-BIL-i-tee] (n.) – the condition of being responsible or accountable
Example: The factory paid the injured workers after accepting its liability for the mechanical accident.
5. testimony [TES-tuh-moh-nee, or, esp. British, -muh-nee] (n.) – a statement given by a witness in court
Example: Her friend’s testimonies will push her husband’s conviction for physical abuse.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
The lawyer of the Jackson family claims that the concert promoter AEG Live should be held responsible for hiring Dr. Conrad Murray and for pushing Michael Jackson to do a concert despite poor health.
Dr. Murray was already convicted for prescribing a fatal dose of sleep-inducing drugs to Michael Jackson, causing the superstar’s sudden death in 2009. The doctor has been in jail since 2011.
Based on the civil charges filed by Michael’s family, AEG Live has apparently known about the King of Pop’s addiction to pain medications. Yet, the promoter neglected this fact to push the singer’s “This Is It” concert tour.
However, AEG Live denies the accusations that implicate the company in Michael Jackson’s death. Lawyers of AEG Live pointed out that the concert promoter could not have any knowledge about the singer’s private life because Michael never exposed his secret addiction.
Several Hollywood celebrities, including Diana Ross and Quincy Jones, might provide statements to support the Jackson family’s claims. Michael’s ex-wives Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe are also considered as possible witnesses.
But, the testimonies of Michael Jackson’s eldest children, Prince and Paris, are expected to be the most emotional and critical as the narrations will detail the final days of Michael’s life.
To decide upon AEG Live’s liability for Michael’s death, a jury composed of 12 judges will hear arguments from both sides until summer. If proven guilty, AEG might be required to pay tens of millions of dollars for damages.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you think Michael Jackson’s untimely death could have been prevented if AEG Live paid greater attention to his physical and mental condition? Why do you think so?
· In your opinion, should the Jackson family still seek justice for the King of Pop’s death even though Dr. Murray is already convicted? Why is that so?
Discussion B
· Why do you think some people get addicted to prescribed or illegal drugs?
· How can people prevent themselves from being addicted to bad habits?
