Judge: Jackson Trial 'On Course' Despite Appeal

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A judge says the trial of the doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death is "on course" despite an appeal filed last week by the physician's attorneys.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor says jury selection in the case will begin as planned on Thursday unless the appeals court issues a stay in the case.

Attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray on Friday appealed a ruling by Pastor that jurors in the upcoming involuntary manslaughter trial will not be sequestered.

Pastor says he's confident justices on the 2nd District Court of Appeal will provide some guidance soon.

Murray pleaded not guilty and faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

Authorities say he gave Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives in June 2009.

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