"Have you ever considered yourself a fan of Michael Jackson?" That's question number 97 on a 30-page list potential jurors have had to complete. The document also asks if they've ever owned the star's music or if they went to see the movie "This Is It" about preparations for his comeback tour.

Would-be panellists have been asked whether they feel celebrities in Los Angeles get away with crimes because of their status and there are several questions about how jurors would deal with the intensemedia scrutiny this case will undoubtedly attract.

The trial of Dr Conrad Murray is due to start in early May. He denieskilling Michael Jackson with an overdose of a powerful anaesthetic. That was nearly two years ago and the case has rarely been out of the headlines. Authorities have called nearly 500 people to take part in the jury selection process. They must make sure the panel is fair.