Should the jurors in the Michael Jackson molestation trial be told that the pop star had more than 1,700 pornographic images on his computers? That was the question before Judge Rodney Melville. 

The prosecutors believe that the images offer "powerful corroboration" to the allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson. Jackson's attorneys argue that the photos are not relevant. 

Investigators found the images on 3 computers at Neverland Ranch that were stored between 1998 and 2003. Many of the photos were reportedly of teenagers but were heterosexual. 

Jackson's attorneys told the judge that the images were "cached" during web browsing and were not directly downloaded or saved to Jackson's computers. 

The prosecutors have accused Jackson of using alcohol and pornography to aid in abusing his underage guests at the Neverland Ranch. Prosecutor Gordon Auchincloss told the judge that the photos are "the circumstantial link that provides powerful corroboration for our witness in this case".

Update: Judge Melville ruled on Wednesday that the computer porn could not be used. The presecutors instead were able to admit "more than 75 pornographic magazines and pictures taken from Jackson's home," according to Reuters. 

In related news: One of Jackson's attorneys had to be wheeled out of court on a gurney today and was taken to the hospital. Jackson attorney Brian Oxman suddenly fell ill as today's court session ended. Oxman, who appeared conscious but pale according to witnesses, was wheeled out of the courtroom into an awaiting ambulance and taken to the Marian Medical Center.  At press time the cause of the illness was not known. 

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