Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor says he will not sequester jurors during the upcoming court proceedings despite defense statements that sequestration is the only way to ensure a fair trial.

Attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray have cited widespread media coverage of the case and the likelihood that TV commentators such as Nancy Grace will cover the trial daily as reasons the jury should be protected. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Sept. 8. Opening statements are slated Sept. 27.

Pastor has noted that a jury hasn’t been sequestered in Los Angeles since the O.J. Simpson trial.