Los Angeles ( CNN ) -- They came seeking justice as the sun rose Tuesday over a courthouse in the heart of downtown Los Angeles made famous by its celebrity trials -- O.J . Simpson , Snoop Dogg , Phil Spector . But there were almost as many definitions of justice as there were justice seekers . Some shouted `` Murderer ! '' as the defendant , Conrad Murray , arrived at the Clara Foltz Justice Center for the start of his involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of pop superstar Michael Jackson . `` Dr. Murray , '' corrected Beatrice Fakhrian , a supporter of the defendant . `` He has earned that title . '' So began the long-anticipated trial of the personal physician accused of causing the death of one of the most famous people in the world . More than 100 people from France , Spain and Australia , as well as the far-flung suburbs of Los Angeles , crowded into the dingy courthouse plaza , jockeying for a chance at one of just six courtroom seats , or to say their piece in front of television cameras . Some read psalms , some handed out sunflowers , some chanted `` Justice for Michael , '' and many of them carried signs , transforming a wall outside the courthouse into an international billboard . `` Bulgaria Loves MJ , '' one sign said . So do the Netherlands , Romania and Malaysia , according to the signed posters taped to the wall . A doctor in a while coat preached about safe ways to administer anesthesia . A Michael Jackson impersonator preened for the cameras . `` Even in death , Michael Jackson can draw a crowd , '' said Najee Ali , a Los Angeles civil rights activist who grew up in Jackson 's hometown , Gary , Indiana . Ali was the force behind the `` Caravan of Love '' to support Jackson when he was acquitted in Santa Barbara of child molestation charges in 2005 . Julie Jenkins , 31 , came from Australia and was rewarded by winning the lottery for one of the courtroom seats available to the public . She has been a Michael Jackson fan since she was 7 and wore black jeans , a red shirt , a black armband and aviator sunglasses in honor of her idol . `` For me , it represents the first time I saw him in person , '' she said , explaining her get-up , which was vaguely reminiscent of JacksonÂ¹s look during his `` History '' tour . `` It also represents blood , because we think he was murdered . '' She pounded a closed fist over her chest . That sentiment is shared by many of Jackson 's fans , although Murray is charged with the less serious offense of involuntary manslaughter . He is accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol to help him sleep as the pop star prepared for his comeback `` This is It '' concerts in June 2009 . Defense : Michael Jackson caused his own death . Murder also is a major theme for the group `` Justice4MJ , '' which was out in force on Tuesday , leading the crowd in chants of `` Justice for Michael '' as Jackson 's family walked into the courthouse . Erin Jacobs , one of the group 's outspoken leaders , also won a seat for the trial 's first day . She has attended every pretrial hearing , and was tossed out of court last week during jury selection after getting into a staring contest with Murray . She said she had n't slept . Like her idol , `` I experienced insomnia last night , '' she said . `` I have been a fan my whole life . This is my passion , to work for Michael . '' Court officials warned Jacobs she would have to cover up her T-shirt in court . If she flashed her `` Justice4MJ '' logo , she 'd lose her seat and be banned for the rest of the trial . Karlene Taylor , 49 , wanted a seat so badly she could n't sleep . She has been a Jackson fan since she was 8 . `` I remember 'ABC ' Michael , '' she said . Alas , the lottery gods did not smile on her Tuesday . Robyn Starkand and Betty Byrnes of the fan group `` Call for Love '' handed out sunflowers , hoping to lead a respectful vigil on the courthouse steps , complete with songs and prayers . But they were upstaged by a Michael Jackson look-alike . They started with `` Heal the World , '' but the voices soon waned , and Jackson impersonator Goward Horton stepped in with his version of `` Man in the Mirror , '' complete with Jackson 's distinctive yips and squeaks . `` They 've turned it into the Goward show , '' Starkand groused . `` This is really serious . It 's not the time for a Michael Jackson impersonator . '' It was a time for the real one , their Michael .
Fans throng courthouse for trial of Michael Jackson 's doctor . Conrad Murray charged with manslaughter , not murder , in death of pop star . People from France , Spain and Australia vie for precious few seats inside . Score: 6