Judge denies request for sequestered jury at Jackson trial

Sequestered jury sought in Jackson trialSTORY HIGHLIGHTSA prosecutor argues there should be "a level of trust granted for jurors"Judge Pastor says sequestered jurors can feel like "inmates"He says sequestration would cost $500,000 but adds cost isn't a factorMurray is accused of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's 2009 death Los Angeles (CNN) -- A Los Angeles County judge on Thursday denied the defense's request to sequester the jury for the coming trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician accused in Michael Jackson's death.

Lawyers for the doctor -- who is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death -- had contended that media hype surrounding the case meant it was prudent to isolate the jury during the trial.

But Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael E. Pastor disagreed, saying he did not want jurors to feel like "inmates," supervised even when they contacted loved ones. And he expressed confidence that they would heed warnings to avoid exposure to media coverage.

"I do not find sequestration to be the answer in this case," he said.

In addition, Pastor rejected a defense request that television cameras be removed from the courtroom during certain parts of the trial.

The Los Angeles coroner has ruled that Jackson's death, which occurred June 25, 2009, was caused by an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, combined with other drugs.

Prosecutors have accused Murray, one of the pop star's doctors, of having a role in the overdose. Jury selection is set to begin next month in his trial. Opening statements are set for September 27. Both the defense and prosecution told the judge they expect the trial to last four to five weeks, while Pastor indicated he thought it could be done in less time.

View the Original article