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
Page 1 of 2
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
