Hunt For “Jackson 12″ in superstar’s child sex trial

SANTA MARIA, California Feb 1 - As the hustle of the first day of trial of Michael Jackson faded, both the parties to the child-sex case concentrated their full attention to the composition of the jury which will very well be an important factor in the outcome of this trial.

Santa Maria courtroom is going to be busy on Tuesday as about 300 potential jurors are due to appear there. The accused Michael Jackson was on his best behavior as he sat quietly in the courtroom as some 4,000 people who were given jury summons were screened.

Legal experts indicate it could be weeks before a jury dubbed the “Jackson 12″, is selected, as both sides carefully screen the candidates, seeking to weed out any they think may be harmful their case.

“The defense is out there trying to find that one dissenting voice,” said Jean Rosenbluth, a law professor at the University of South California and a former prosecutor.

No-nonsense Judge Rodney Melville imposed a gag order on both sides to prevent them to use the media as a tool for influencing this case.

Jackson has pleaded not guilty to the 10-count charge arising from claims he fondled a 13-year-old boy, plied him with alcohol and sought to kidnap him and his family two years ago.

The prosecution is likely hoping for a jury made up of conservative, religious and family oriented members, while the defense would like to see younger, more liberal and childless jurors, according to legal experts.

Each side can dismiss 10 potential jurors without citing the reasons, and will also try to argue why other candidates are unsuitable for jury duty.

In the coming days, and possibly weeks, they will analyze the answers to the questionnaires and may then question potential jurors.