BBC Learning English
Words in the News
22

nd

April 2011

Jury selection for Jackson's doctor

Words in the News

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2011

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bbclearningenglish.com

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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bbclearningenglish.com

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