Federal Judge Declines To Hear Dr. Conrad Murray Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Nov. 1 2010, Published 2:20 p.m. ET
A wrongful death lawsuit filed against Dr. Conrad Murray by the father of pop icon Michael Jackson will be moving to state court after a federal judge said Monday he didn’t have the authority to hear the case.
According to the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge John F. Walter told Joe Jackson’s attorney, Brian Oxman, during a hearing that he didn't think Jackson's father could receive any money from one of the major causes of action, which alleged the singer's rights were violated under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Oxman agreed to dismiss part of his case against the doctor charged in Jackson’s death, which prompted the judge to rule that the remaining issues had to be heard in state court.
"I am firmly convinced that you can't seek damages on this (disabilities act) cause of action," Walter said.
The judge said that was the only federal issue in the case and he would not handle any other issues. "This is a creature of state law, this wrongful death claim," the judge said.