The Thriller Begins

Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial gets underway

As jury selection got under way last week in Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial in Santa Maria, Calif., so began what is anticipated to be a six-month media extravaganza. Jackson himself got things rolling with a video, posted on his website, proclaiming his innocence. (He sent the same signal sartorially, wearing a white suit, far right, on his first day in court.) If convicted on all 10 counts, the Gloved One faces up to 24 years in prison. Can he beat it? Here's a Notebook rundown of what to expect. --By Jeffrey Ressner. With reporting by Matt Kettmann

PROSECUTION'S CASE The accuser,...

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