MJ Trial: How jury selection works

Jury selection, the first phase in Michael Jackson's trial for alleged child molestation, is now underway.

The process begins as the initial pool of 750 prospective jurors attend the Santa Monica courthouse in California over three days this week, in groups of 150 at a time.

Judge Rodney Melville will question each of them individually to see if they are suitable to form part of the twelve-strong jury. Those who are heavily pregnant, have job commitments or other conflicting responsibilities will be, or may ask to be, dismissed. The jury will be required for the duration of the trial, which could last up to six months.

Those making it to the next 'round' of selection will be handed a seven-page questionnaire, details of which are being kept secret but which is likely to ask for views on Jackson, existing knowledge of the case and personal background information.

The prosecution and defence will then eliminate more candidates based on their questionnaire responses, leaving a final pool of potentials who will return to the courthouse for yet more questioning.

As well as twelve jury members, Melville will also select eight alternates. The entire process, which precedes opening statements, is expected to continue through the start of March.