Michael Jackson feels 'nervous'
2005-06-02 12:09
Santa Maria - Michael Jackson sat stone still for nearly two hours on Wednesday in a hushed courtroom as the jurors who will decide his fate were repeatedly reminded of the child molestation charges against him while being given instructions for their deliberations.
Jackson appeared glum as he left the courthouse.
The pop star was "nervous" and "upset", said his spokesperson, Raymone K Bain.
Bain said: "It's a very difficult situation to sit in there and know your life is in the balance. He has strong faith in God and in the judicial system. He knows his fate is in the hands of 12 jurors."
Bain dispelled rumours that Jackson was considering fleeing the country or not being present for the verdict.
Jackson's emotions have varied during the long trial, she said.
"He has had anger. He's been happy about some of the information that has come out in court," she said.
Earlier in court, Jackson looked straight ahead as Superior Court Judge Rodney S Melville, sitting in the witness box to be closer to the jury, read a long list of instructions hammered out during more than a day of discussions with prosecuting and defence attorneys.
High profile case coming to an end
The court was once again filled to capacity due to the trial's approaching finale. Jackson's mother, Katherine, and father, Joe, and brothers Randy and Tito watched from the front row.
Melville told the jury closing arguments will begin on Thursday and they will be given the case sometime on Friday, 14 weeks after opening statements.
He told jurors they must determine what the facts are from testimony, follow the law as presented by the judge and make their decision without "pity for or prejudice".
Jury given strict orders
The King of Pop, 46, faces 10 counts of fondling a 13-year-old cancer survivor in early 2003, serving him alcohol and conspiring to hold the boy and his family captive. Jackson has pleaded not guilty on all counts.
Following up on an earlier decision regarding the alcohol allegations, the judge told the jurors they may consider a "lesser charge" of "furnishing alcohol to a minor", a misdemeanour.
The judge also said the four main videos shown during the trial should not be used to determine the truth of any statements made in them, except for certain statements the prosecution will claim were admissions by Jackson.
The judge said if jurors determine Jackson has a history of improper behaviour with boys, "you may but are not required to infer the defendant had a predisposition" to commit the crimes alleged in the current case.
But he told the jurors "that is not sufficient in itself to prove he committed the crimes charged".
The jury must also not infer anything from the fact Jackson decided not to testify, the judge said.
He paused at one point to determine if the jurors were paying attention.
"You know I read to my wife at night so she'll go to sleep. Am I having that effect here?" he said
- AP