Doc charged in Jackson death to keep Calif. medical license

LOS ANGELES -- A judge has refused to suspend the California medical license of the doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor made his ruling Monday, declining a request by California authorities to suspend the ability of Dr. Conrad Murray to practice medicine in the state.

Murray's attorneys fought the restriction, arguing that it would prompt authorities in Texas and Nevada to take similar action.

Murray operates clinics in both states, which have ordered him not to use anesthetics on his patients.

California authorities sought the suspension after Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter in February.

Murray is accused of giving the pop star a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol last June. He has pleaded not guilty.