Closing Arguments in Conrad Murray Trial Begin Today

Closing arguments in the Conrad Murray trial are slated to begin today. Dr. Murray, who served as the late Michael Jackson's personal physician, has been accused of involuntary manslaughter. Jackson died from a fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol, which Murray was supplying to him.

Over the past few weeks, 49 witnesses testified during the trial, including 16 defense witnesses. The trial wrapped on Tuesday after Murray decided not to testify in his defense. The courtroom is asked to not draw any adverse inference from Murray's decision.

Reports say that the prosecution has proven its case well. The question is whether or not they have proven that Murray was grossly negligent in his care of Jackson. Dr. Steven Shafer, a leading expert on anesthesiology who teaches at Columbia University Medical School and the prosecution's star witness, told the courtroom that the defense's scenario was "crazy." The defense, which has painted Murray as a caring and capable doctor, argues that Jackson - not Murray - injected himself with the fatal propofol dose while Murray wasn't looking.

During cross-examination, the defense's key expert, anesthesiologist Paul White, admitted that Murray's care of Jackson was potentially life-threatening.

The prosecution is expected to summarize their case in an elaborate PowerPoint presentation today. After the defense disputes, the prosecution is permitted one final, rebuttal argument. Deliberations could begin as early as Thursday afternoon.

If convicted, Murray faces up to four years in prison.