FLDS TRIALS: Witness’ ties to state cited » Standard-Times
Musser said civil marriages, performed with the first wife, are little more than “paperwork,” while the other marriages are key to FLDS women’s spiritual standing.
“A woman’s greatest mission in life is to bring forth children,” Musser said. “What is significant is the celestial marriage. It is of the utmost importance.”
The prosecution brought in family law expert and University of Texas School of Law professor John Sampson to testify that the alleged victim in the case was never legally married to Abram Jeffs.
“She was clearly not married in the time we’re referring to,” Sampson said.
The state has said the alleged assault happened May 12, 2006, when Abram Jeffs was 34 and the girl was 15. Jurors also heard testimony Friday about digital pictures recovered from the raid.