The 160 potential jurors were called to the courtroom in downtown Los Angeles. When asked if anyone had not heard about the case, only one woman raised her hand.
At this stage, potential jurors are being asked about their availability to serve. The trial is expected to take up to two months.
Murray says he is not guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Jackson. Attorneys are concerned about gathering a pool of potential jurors who can fairly try him.
After potential jurors complete the hardship round, they go on to complete the 29-page confidential questionnaire designed to identify extreme biases. All are warned that the responses to all questions must be true and honest under the penalty of perjury.
A false statement could lead to a sentence of 4 years in prison. That term is potentially the same length of time Murray would face if he is convicted.