SANTA MARIA, Calif. (Reuters) - Michael Jackson (news) was due back in a California courtroom on Tuesday for a second day of jury selection in his child molestation case, a process that has been complicated by the expected length of the trial and the pop star's fame.
Michael Jackson arrives at the Santa Barbara County courthouse Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, for the second day of jury selection.
More Pictures...Though Jackson has so far only sat silently at the defense table as Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville questioned prospective jurors, legal experts say the influence of his celebrity has already been felt.
Of the 314 people summoned to Melville's courtroom on Monday, 176 said they were willing to set aside jobs and families to hear a trial that could last six months.
Another 138 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.
Thomas Mesereau Jr. (L), attorney for Michael Jackson and J. Lee Meihls (R), jury consultant stand in front of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Maria, California February 1, 2005
On Tuesday Melville planned to call another 300 would-be jurors to his courtroom to question them about their ability to serve on the trial. Those not excused will be given a seven-page questionnaire and told to return on Feb. 7.
Finding a panel to hear the case is expected to take up to a month.
