Day 2 of Jury Selection Ends for Michael Jackson with Early Adjounment

February 2, 2005

"I think we have enough (potential) jurors," were the words of Judge Rodney Melville yesterday as he brought proceedings to an early finish. "By my estimation, we have 250 people who are qualified (for duty)," said Melville, according to the Santa Maria Times. He then adjourned the court early, convinced he does not need to see the rest of 700 people who were summoned, of which there were about 300.

As with Monday, many potential jurors provided excuses as to why they could not be part of the jury, with reasons varying from pregnancy, illness and military assignment. Over half of the people who came before the Judge yesterday hoped for dismissal from duty.

Judge Melville's decision to end his screening process early now means that the proceedings planned for today have been scrapped and the court has been adjourned until Monday 7th February.

It will be then that both Prosecution and Defense attorneys will start questioning potential jurors individually and intensively.

- Information from www.MJNI.com and other various sources