Attorneys in Conrad Murray trial prepare closing arguments

(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Attorneys in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray are taking Wednesday off to prepare for closing arguments, which are scheduled to begin Thursday.

Pictures: Who's who in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray
Pictures: Michael Jackson's Doctor Trial
Video: Dr. Conrad Murray manslaughter trial begins

Jurors hearing the case against Murray will not hear directly from the man whose fate they will soon be asked to decide.

Instead the panel will have to choose whether to convict or acquit Murray based on the testimony of 49 witnesses and hundreds of pieces of evidence, including one lengthy police interview with the cardiologist.

The seven-man, five-woman panel didn't get to hear Murray announce his decision not to testify, but were instead told by a judge Tuesday after testimony from a pair of medical experts that there would be no more evidence presented to them.

Murray, 58, has pleaded not guilty in connection with Jackson's June 2009 death. He faces up to four years behind bars and the loss of his medical license if convicted.

Prosecutors contend Murray gave Jackson a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol in the bedroom of the singer's Southern California mansion. Defense attorneys claim Jackson gave himself the dose when Murray left the room.

Complete coverage of the Conrad Murray - Michael Jackson case on CBS News