Half time at the Jackson trial

By Peter Bowes
BBC News, Santa Maria

On one occasion Mr Jackson arrived in court wearing pyjamas

There have been tears, tantrums and almost 10 weeks of testimony.

The trial that was described in court by one of Michael Jackson's lawyers as the "case of the century" has reached a turning point.

The prosecution is about to rest its case against the pop star.

"I can't fathom the fact that we're only half way through," says J. Randy Taraborrelli, Michael Jackson's biographer. "It feels as we've been here for years."

'Credibility hit'

It has been a long haul. The prosecution team, led by Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon, took more than 40 days to present its case.

There were notable moments. The singer fell in the shower and ended up in hospital - apparently with a cricked back.

He narrowly escaped having his bail revoked but suffered the indignity of turning up to court in his pyjamas.

Debbie Rowe's testimony was seen as catastrophic for the prosecution

"I'm not sure that this case is as strong as a lot of people thought it was going to be when it began," said Mr Taraborrelli.

"The Arvizo family took quite a few hits in credibility."

Janet Arvizo, Gavin's mother, acknowledged lying in a sworn statement for a previous lawsuit against a high street store.

At times, the jurors appeared to be uncomfortable with the mother, who often directed her comments straight at the panel.

The biggest catastrophe for the prosecution came when Mr Jackson's ex wife, Debbie Rowe, took to the witness stand.

She appeared to be besotted by the singer and said nothing to back up the prosecution's case.

The prosecution also failed to persuade Jordy Chandler, the alleged victim in a 1993 case, to testify against Michael Jackson.

Jason Francia told the court he was abused by Mr Jackson as a child

The highs for the prosecution included the appearance by a 24-year-old youth pastor from Santa Maria.

Jason Francia said that as a child he was abused by Mr Jackson in the early 90s.

His emotional testimony could prove to be a defining moment in the case.

Mr Francia, like Jordy Chandler, received a substantial out-of-court settlement from the singer.

The defence is expected to make much of the fact that almost every witness has some financial entanglement with Michael Jackson.

Neverland, with its funfair and zoo, has been portrayed as an enticing lure for the singer's innocent victims, with the prosecution claiming the pop star lives in a seedy world of booze and pornography.

Public sacking

Michael Jackson has a small but loyal band of supporters that turn up at the court every day.

"Michael doesn't believe in kids drinking and I don't believe that he even gave kids drink," says Helen, a long-time supporter.

Another fan, Michelle, adds: "Men just love porn and they love drinking. So it sounds like he's a guy. Surprise world."

The public sacking of Jackson family lawyer Brian Oxman does not appear to have dented the confidence of the defence team.

Thomas Mesereau will lead the case for the defence.

Former child star Macaulay Culkin is expected to appear for the defence

Mr Mesereau has already promised the court that there will be "a lot of witnesses".

He intends to put on a mini-trial for each of the five prior acts of alleged abuse introduced by the prosecution.

The star-studded defence list of witnesses includes some of Hollywood's biggest names - Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor, comedian Jay Leno and former child star Macaulay Culkin.

"The defence case is going to be lean and mean," said Mr Taraborrelli.

"I think there will be some celebrities but I think they will actually be celebrities who actually have something to say other than, 'Michael Jackson is a nice guy and he's my friend'."

'Pivotal role'

If called to the witness stand,Mr Culkin would be asked about the prosecution's claim that he was inappropriately touched by the singer as a teenager.

Mr Culkin has always denied that anything bad happened and that he had an innocent relationship with the singer.

Elizabeth Taylor would be a showstopper. The screen legend could be asked to testify about her role in the 1993 settlement with Jordy Chandler.

Ms Taylor is expected to discuss Mr Jackson's 1993 settlement

The actress is said to have played a pivotal role in the negotiations.

It is still up in the air as to whether Michael Jackson will appear on the stand.

Mr Mesereau has a reputation for putting his clients in front of the jury, but most legal experts reckon it would be an extremely risky strategy with the pop star.

The singer has surprised many by his ability to stay the course. In the early days of the trial the frail star appeared to be close to a complete breakdown.

But he seems to have weathered the storm.

"Obviously the prosecution case is tougher for him to take than the defence case," explained Mr Taraborrelli.

"He has seen the worst of it. I personally didn't think he was going to be able to hold on - I thought Michael would wilt dead away.

"He might have a bit more resilience than even his biographer has known about."