Jury Questionnaire Answers Released

Around 10 a.m., Feb. 9, the answers from the potential jurors list of questions were released to the media. These questions asked the participants of their knowledge about Michael Jackson and facts surrounding the case. Some of the questions included were: How much news have you read or heard about the current Michael Jackson case? Do you know, or have you read, seen, or heard anything about the publicity regarding the 1993-1994 investigation against Michael Jackson? Do you or any of your family members or close friends know Michael Jackson? It seemed that there were several members of the participating group that either, had a friend which worked for Mr. Jackson, or knew him personally. One particular participant claimed that a niece-in-law’s sister dated Mr. Jackson’s cousin and attended gathering’s. It was a unanimous response from the potential jurors that they all had heard some bits about the current trial against Michael Jackson, and most stated that they had at least heard “a little” about the 1993-1994 case. It was noted that the potential jurors who volunteered for the spaces were from a variety of backgrounds such as computer analysts, janitors, etc. Some of the members’ children had visited Neverland Ranch before. There were several hand-written comments from a select few which left indents upon the questionnaires. A local school teacher commented, “I went to Neverland with Special Ed for my school district.” And, a mother and risk analyst wrote, “My disabled daughter was allowed to go to Neverland, but Mr. Jackson was not present during her school’s visit.” These comments were fair and positive. One man, a 48-year-old pastor commented that Michael Jackson’s cousin is in his church and one of Mr. Jackson’s employees “is my son’s best friend.” The participants were mostly female (55%). The majority of the potential jurors solidified their answers as to if their feelings and/or experiences with different races of persons affected their ability to serve as an impartial juror, yet nine admitted that their convictions and experiences would affect their judgment, and seven were not completely sure. On another question, several stated that they had a relative or a close friend which were victim to “inappropriate sexual behavior of any kind.” It is quite evident that the questionnaire was made to ‘weed out’ the persons who might have sympathy for Mr. Jackson, or ones who might have ties with any law enforcement who would be for the prosecution. The only way to be on the panel is to be in the middle – a neutral; neither for Mr. Jackson, nor the prosecution. From the questions and screening of the variety of volunteering jurors, it is clearly seen that much precaution has been taken to make sure a fair trial will be given to Michael Jackson. Source: NBC4.TV/eMJey