MICHAEL JACKSON - POTENTIAL JACKSON JURORS PROFILED

Potential jurors for the MICHAEL JACKSON trial have been quizzed about their stance on issues including racism, child abuse and cancer.

A seven-page, 41-point questionnaire, aimed at discovered biases for or against Jackson, has been completed by the 250 people under consideration for jury service.

Prosecution and defence lawyers worked in conjunction to compile the comprehensive list of questions aimed at removing prejudice from the standing jury.

To weed out any racists, the questionnaire asks, "Do you think your feelings about or experiences with people from different races might affect your ability to serve as a fair and impartial juror in this case?"

Another question tackled the subject of child abuse, with a view to eliminating any prospective jurors who had been victims of abuse, or who were close to someone affected by it.

Another asked if they had ever had cancer - Jackson is accused of abusing a cancer-sufferer.

Defence lawyers will pin their case on portraying the accuser's family as attempting to seek financial gain from their allegation, so prosecution lawyers inserted the question, "Have you or your family member ever made any claim for money damages?"

Jackson's trial started on Monday (31JAN05), he has pleaded not guilty to charges of child molestation, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent to his alleged victim.

Proceedings were adjourned on Tuesday (01FEB05) to allow the opposing lawyers to draw up the questionnaire before they individually interview each of the 250 prospective jurors - the selection process is expected to last until the end of the month (FEB05).