Court hears arguments on Michael Jackson concert promoter lawsuit

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lawyers for Michael Jackson's mother argued today for a new trial in her case against concert promoter AEG Live LLC, but faced a skeptical panel of appellate justices who focused on the superstar's relationship with the doctor convicted of killing him.

Attorneys for Katherine Jackson appealed a jury's verdict finding that AEG Live was not financially responsible for the singer's June 2009 death. They contend the trial court judge incorrectly dismissed negligence and employment claims before the trial, and jurors were given an improper verdict form and instructions.

The trial spanned more than five months last year with testimony that focused on the relationship between Jackson, AEG and Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for giving the singer a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol.

Much of the questioning from the appellate justices focused on Jackson's relationship with Murray, the details of the cardiologist's contract drafted by AEG, and who was paying the physician's $150,000 a month fee to care for Jackson as he prepared for his ill-fated "This Is It" comeback concerts.

The panel noted that Murray treated Jackson before the concerts were planned and questioned whether the doctor's fee would be reimbursed by Jackson after the shows.