Grand jury hears testimony in Jacko case

A California grand jury has met in secret to hear testimony from witnesses in the child abuse case against singer Michael Jackson.

Michael, who denies charges of child molestation, is not expected to take the witness stand.

Meanwhile, news organisations are appealing against a sweeping order that restricts reporters covering the activities of the grand jury.

A grand jury hears evidence in private and decides if a trial can go ahead.

Their activities are usually confidential.

However, lawyer Ted Boutrous, working on behalf of nine media organisations, said the current restrictions infringe on the "First Amendment rights of the press".

Among the witnesses expected to give evidence during the proceedings, which could last several weeks, are the child at the centre of the case and his brother.