Trial of Michael Jackson - Court Dates

Court Dates

2005:

• January 31 – Jury selection begins.
• February 24 – Jurors and alternates seated.
• February 28, March 1 – Opening statements begin.
• March 1 – Prosecution testimony begins.
• May 4 – Prosecution rests.
• May 5 – Defense testimony begins.
• May 25 – Defense rests/prosecution rebuttal begins.
• May 27 – Prosecution rebuttal ends/defense offers no rebuttal.
• June 1 – Jury gets instructions.
• June 2, June 3 – Closing arguments.
• June 13 – Verdict delivered.

As of April 15, 2005, all weekdays from February 28, 2005 were court days, except:

• March 31– César Chávez Day (holiday)
• April 6 – funeral of Johnnie Cochran
• May 30 – Memorial Day

A few court days were without jury and without Jackson. On these days motions were discussed and ruled about. These were on March 11 and 18, and the first part of March 28.

There were also several days in which Michael Jackson was unable to attend. These are:

• February 15 – Questioning of potential jurors was postponed until February 22, after Jackson was hospitalized with flu like symptoms.
• March 21 – Court was delayed for 45 minutes, after Jackson showed up late again complaining of back trouble. After meeting with attorneys and the doctor, Melville resumed the court into session without threatening to revoke Jackson's bail.