The doctor accused of administering Michael Jackson with a lethal dose of the anaesthetic Propofol is to be allowed to continue practising medicine.

There had been calls for Dr Conrad Murray's medical license to be withdrawn while he awaits trial over the pop star's death.

But, at a procedural hearing in Los Angeles on Monday (June 14), a judge said he did not have the authority to ban Dr Murray.

Another judge had already granted the doctor the right to continue practising medicine. However, he will not be allowed to administer Propofol.

Members of Jackson's family, including his father Joe, were in court yesterday, reports the Associated Press.

Dr Murray has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter over Jackson's death last June.

A preliminary hearing has been set for August 23.

(by Jason Gregory)