Jackson Jury Given Instructions for Deliberations

Closing arguments to start today


Thursday, June 02, 2005

Judge Rodney Melville sat down with eight women and four men of the jury yesterday to read over instructions for their deliberations.

"You've heard all of the evidence, and you will hear the arguments of attorneys," Melville said. Closing arguments are expected to begin today with the jury expected to commence deliberations on Friday. The jury were instructed by the Judge to determine the facts and make their decision without "pity for or prejudice toward" Michael Jackson. Melville sat in the witness box for 90 minutes as he read through the 98 pages of the instructions packet according to the Santa Maria Times.

After court finished for the day, Michael's spokesperson Raymone Bain spoke to reporters according to the Associated Press. "He realises in the next few days there will be jury deliberations. ... It's a very difficult situation to sit in there and know your life is in the balance," Bain said. "He has strong faith in God and in the judicial system. He knows his fate is in the hands of 12 jurors."

Senior Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen is expected to give the Prosecution's closing argument today with lead Defence attorney Tom Mesereau providing the Defence's closing argument on Friday. Since Prosecutor's have the burden of proof, Zonen will be allowed a rebuttal once Mesereau has finished, but he can only address what the Defence addressed in their argument.

Source - MJNI.COM