Judge tentatively rules against new Jackson trial

LOS ANGELES: A judge has issued a tentative ruling against granting a new trial in a negligence case filed by the mother of Michael Jackson who claims a concert promoter is financially liable for the singer's death.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos issued the lengthy ruling on Friday but did not immediately finalize it after hearing more than two hours of arguments from lawyers.

A jury in October rejected Katherine Jackson's lawsuit claiming AEG Live LLC negligently hired the doctor convicted of giving her son an overdose of anesthetic in 2009.

Her lawyers argued the verdict form didn't allow jurors to fully consider evidence in the case.

AEG's lawyers contend there was no basis for a new trial.