Casey Anthony Argument Not Enough to Convince Murray Judge

Comparisons to the high-profile murder trial of Casey Anthony were not enough to convince a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to sequester jurors in the upcoming Dr. Conrad Murray trial.

Dr. Conrad Murray in Court: Timeline

In court Thursday, Murray's attorney, Edward Chernoff, told judge Michael Pastor that the filing speaks for itself, adding this would be the most publicized case ever. He firmly believed that despite the hassle, it's the only way Murray can receive a fair trial, Chernoff argued.

The motion, which was filed last week, cited the Anthony trial in which jurors were sequestered. Anthony, 25, was acquitted last month in the murder trial of her 2-year-old daughter.

The prosecution argued that it is not necessary to sequester the jury. There has to be a level of trust granted to jurors, the prosecution argued.

Pastor denied the defense's motion.

"This court has tremendous respect on jurors and the sacrifices they make," Pastor said.

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"I have faith in the promises of jurors. I want jurors to decide the case based on evidence and follow the law. I expect jurors will follow the high road and not be in contact with info in this case outside the courtroom," he said.

Sequestration is "more of a problem," Pastor said.

"Cost is not of over-riding consideration. Justice trumps everything. The estimate provided to me would exceed half a million dollars. But factors against sequestration are so substantial, they override the economics," he told the court.

Last month, Pastor said sequestering a jury was expensive and not necessary for the trial. However, he told Murray's attorneys that they were free to file a formal motion making such a request. That motion was denied Thursday.

Murray, 58, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection the death of Jackson. The singer died from an overdose of propofol in 2009.

Murray's jury selection process is scheduled to begin Sept. 8.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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