Fanfare continues in Jackson jury pick
Jackson, 46, who is legally required to attend the jury selection process, has so far only smiled at potential jurors and then sat silently at the defence table as Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville questioned prospective jurors.
But legal experts say the influence of his celebrity has already been felt and will continue to be centre stage during the trial.
Perhaps attracted by the celebrity of the case, a larger than usual number of potential jurors said they would be willing to serve during Monday's start of jury selection.
Of the 314 people summoned, more than half 176 said they were willing to set aside jobs and families to hear a trial that could last six months.
Almost 140 people asked to be excused, citing work or school commitments, financial hardship, health problems or other issues.
Court officials declined to say how many Melville had agreed to release.
Former San Francisco prosecutor Jim Hammer said it was remarkable to find more than half of those called willing to serve.
"It wouldn't have surprised me if (under ordinary circumstances) three-fourths of them had said they didn't want to serve," said Hammer, who is following the trial as a media analyst.
"(The fact that more than 50% have agreed to participate) suggests that people want to be on this jury," he said. "That's something that both sides will have to look out for perhaps that one stealth juror who wants to be on the jury with an agenda."
Another 300 people were expected to be asked yesterday whether they could serve on the jury.
Selection of a jury could take up to a month or more before a panel is chosen to hear a case expected to provide a detailed public glimpse into the eccentric lifestyle of one of the world's most famous performers.
A grand jury returned a 10-count indictment against Jackson in April, charging him with lewd acts on a child under the age of 14 and conspiring to commit the crimes of abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.
The indictment stems from accusations made by a recovering cancer patient, now 15, seen holding hands with Jackson at his Neverland Valley Ranch in a documentary.
Jackson has pleaded innocent.
