LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles judge says he will not sequester jurors hearing the case of a doctor charged with involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson’s death.

Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor says he will not force jurors during the upcoming trial to remain under around-the-clock court watch despite defense statements that sequestration is the only way to ensure a fair trial.

Attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray have cited widespread media coverage of the case and the likelihood that TV commentators such as Nancy Grace will cover the trial daily as reasons the jury should be protected. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Sept. 8 and opening statements are slated for Sept. 27.

Pastor has noted that a jury hasn’t been sequestered in Los Angeles since the O.J. Simpson murder trial.

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