Michael Jackson Has His Day in Court

February 1, 2004

Michael Jackson appeared in court yesterday for what was the first day of his trial. The proceeding saw 300 potential jurors enter the courtroom in groups. "I assume you'd rather be somewhere else," Judge Rodney Melville said, according to the news-press. "I appreciate your making a sacrifice to be here. Jurors are the foundation of this country's system of justice that is thought of so highly." Michael had to wait over an hour for the first group of jurors to arrive.

Of the 300 potentials, almost half of them asked not to serve. Several excuses were given, including financial hardship, house arrest and pregnancy. "That's enough. You've got it," the Judge replied to the pregnant woman. The decision brought applause from the courtroom, as she was the only juror immediately dismissed.

One juror said his employer would not let him be off work for such an amount of time. "(He) doesn't pay for jury service?" Melville replied with a tone of disbelief, "No, sir," the man answered. "He's an attorney." The courtroom then erupted in laughter, including the King of Pop.

Jurors who were not dismissed have been given a seven-page questionnaire to fill out and next week attorneys will begin in-person questioning. The jury selection process will continue until both the Defence and Prosecution agree on what twelve jurors and eight alternatives are acceptable.

The entire Defence team appeared yesterday, as Senior Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen represented the Prosecution.

The Judge will interview another 300 potential jurors today, with another 150 being interviewed on Wednesday.

- Information from: www.MJNI.com