Remove all clippings Remove all read clippings The Associated Press Published: March 20, 2007 E-M... Prospective jurors in Phil

LOS ANGELES: The search for a jury in the murder trial of legendary record producer Phil Spector focused immediately on the power of celebrities in Los Angeles and whether they have an advantage over other defendants.

"Do you think that people of wealth or fame are treated differently in the court system?" asked a written questionnaire given to more than 100 prospective jurors on Monday. More were to be screened Tuesday.

Jury selection opened four years after Lana Clarkson, a glamorous actress who starred in a cult movie, was shot to death in the foyer of Spector's castle-like home on Feb. 3, 2003.

The final jury will consider conflicting evidence about what happened before police found Clarkson, 40, slumped dead in a chair, her teeth blown out by a gunshot to her mouth.

The 18-page questionnaire for prospective jurors, which was agreed upon by prosecutors and defense attorneys, includes a category called "Attitudes about celebrities and high-profile people."

It asks whether celebrities feel they are "entitled to act however they please," whether they "have bad tempers and act aggressively" and whether they think "they can bend the rules."

Prospective jurors were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with statements such as: "Celebrities and high profile people in Los Angeles get away with crimes because of their status." They were also asked if they believed that "police are more lenient with celebrities and high profile people."

Clarkson was best known as the star of Roger Corman's cult film "Barbarian Queen." She was working as a hostess at the House of Blues when she went home with Spector that night in 2003.

The coroner's office called it a homicide, but also noted that Clarkson had gunshot residue on both of her hands and may have pulled the trigger.

In an e-mail to friends, Spector, 66, called the death "an accidental suicide." He has pleaded not guilty and has been free on $1 million bail since his arrest. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

"Mr. Spector, like anyone who would be in his position, finds this to be a very intimidating and scary process," defense attorney Roger Rosen said outside court on Monday. "There couldn't be a more difficult time in his life."

Spector, who created the "Wall of Sound" that revolutionized how rock music was recorded, came to court with his wife, Rachelle, who was described by Rosen as an actress and singer. They were married in September.

Spector's normally theatrical attire was a bit toned down for the court appearance. He wore a sandy Beatles-style hairdo, rather than an outlandish wig. He wore a long black coat, tan slacks and a tan shirt open at the collar, as well as his trademark platform boots.

"I have never had a conversation with Mr. Spector about how he should dress in court," said Rosen, "and if I did, he wouldn't pay attention."

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