Conrad Murray to learn punishment for Michael Jackson's death

(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Dr. Conrad Murray is set to be sentenced for involuntary manslaughter today for ending the life and career of Michael Jackson.

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Video: Dr. Conrad Murray manslaughter trial begins

The six-week trial presented the most detailed account yet of the pop singer's final hours, but left many questions about Murray's use of an operating room anesthetic to treat the superstar's chronic insomnia.

Prosecutors want Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor to sentence Murray to a maximum four-year term, which would likely be cut at least in half due to jail overcrowding. Defense attorneys want probation for the cardiologist, saying he will lose his ability to practice medicine and likely face a lifetime of ostracism.

Jackson's family members will have an opportunity to speak before Murray is sentenced, although it remains unclear if any planned to make a statement.

During the investigation into the singer's June 2009 death Murray told detectives he had been giving the singer nightly doses of propofol to help him sleep as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts. Propofol is supposed to be used in hospital settings and has never been approved for sleep treatments, yet Murray acknowledged giving it to Jackson then leaving the room on the day the singer died.

Murray declined to testify during his trial but participated in a documentary in which he said he didn't consider himself guilty of any crime and blamed Jackson for entrapping him into administering the propofol doses.

In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors cited Murray's statements to advocate for him receiving the maximum term. They also want him to pay restitution to the singer's three children -- Prince, Paris and Blanket. It's unlikely that Murray can pay any sizable sum, including the $1.8 million cost of Jackson's funeral. He was deeply in debt when he agreed to serve as Jackson's personal physician for $150,000 a month and the singer died before Murray received any money.

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