BBC Learning English
Words in the News
22nd April 2011
Jury selection for Jackson's doctor
People who could become panel members in the trial of Michael Jackson's personal doctor
are being asked unusual questions to find a fair group. Dr Murray says he did not kill the pop
star with a deadly dose of a sleeping drug. Rajesh Mirchandani reports:
"Have you ever considered yourself a fan of Michael Jackson?" That's question number 97 on
a 30-page list potential jurors have had to complete. The document also asks if they've ever
owned the star's music or if they went to see the movie "This Is It", about preparations for his
comeback tour.
Would-be panellists have been asked whether they feel celebrities in Los Angeles get away
with crimes because of their status and there are several questions about how jurors would
deal with the intense media scrutiny this case will undoubtedly attract.
The trial of Dr Conrad Murray is due to start in early May. He denies killing Michael Jackson
with an overdose of a powerful anaesthetic. That was nearly two years ago and the case has
rarely been out of the headlines. Authorities have called nearly 500 people to take part in the
jury selection process. They must make sure the panel is fair.
Rajesh Mirchandani, BBC News, Los Angeles
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2011
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Vocabulary and definitions
a fan a person who admires and supports other people or things
potential jurors people who may possibly become members of the panel
which decides on the innocence or guilt of someone in a
legal trial
comeback tour a group of shows or concerts that takes place a long time
after the last set
would-be possible, might become
status position, importance, standing
deal with handle, manage, cope with
media scrutiny inspection, examination and enquiries into background
information by journalists
undoubtedly definitely, certainly, without question
denies says it is not true
anaesthetic a substance which makes people fall into an extremely
deep sleep so that they are unable to feel pain
More on this story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13022237
Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/04/110422_witn_jackson_jury_page.shtml
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2011
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