NEW DELHI: In the criminal trial of Donald Trump in New York, hundreds of citizens were called for jury selection on Monday. However, the process hit a snag as over half of the first group of 96 potential jurors admitted they couldn’t be fair to Trump. This made it tough to find an impartial jury in a city where Trump isn’t well-liked.
Consequently, the judge had to excuse them from jury duty, highlighting the difficulty of assembling a fair panel for such a high-profile case.
At least nine other prospective jurors were excused after raising their hand when Judge Juan Merchan asked if they could not serve for any other reason.
A randomly selected group of 18 prospective jurors were taken through pre-agreed screening questions, covering education, news habits, hobbies and their ability to be neutral.
Merchan has said there is a pool of up to 500 Manhattan residents from which the court can draw to empanel the jury that will judge arguably one of the most well-known and controversial men in the world.
Jurors must answer a questionnaire including checks on whether they have been members of far-right groups associated with Trump.
As the prospective jurors, a diverse group reflecting different ages and backgrounds from Manhattan, entered the courtroom, one woman in her 30s was overheard saying, “I just couldn’t do it.” They walked past Trump and took their seats in the courtroom. Some craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the former president. When the judge introduced Trump as the defendant, he stood and turned, offering them a restrained smile.
Justice Juan M. Merchan welcomed the prospective jurors to his courtroom, and began to describe the case, which was brought by the Manhattan district attorney‘s office and accused Trump of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal. He is facing 34 felony counts, and, if convicted, could face up to four years in prison.
Throughout Monday afternoon, Trump remained hunched over the defense table as Merchan instructed the prospective jurors.
When the judge explained that he would be responsible for imposing a sentence if Trump were convicted, Trump let out a sarcastic chuckle. He laughed again when Merchan promised a fair trial, while Bragg observed from the second row.
As the selection process continued in Manhattan, more than a dozen court officers were stationed around the courtroom, and Trump strained to see the prospective jurors. Choosing the 12 jurors, who have been granted anonymity to safeguard them from potential bribery or harm, is anticipated to be a lengthy and complex process. According to one of Trump’s lawyers, it could stretch out for as long as two weeks.
Consequently, the judge had to excuse them from jury duty, highlighting the difficulty of assembling a fair panel for such a high-profile case.
At least nine other prospective jurors were excused after raising their hand when Judge Juan Merchan asked if they could not serve for any other reason.
A randomly selected group of 18 prospective jurors were taken through pre-agreed screening questions, covering education, news habits, hobbies and their ability to be neutral.
Merchan has said there is a pool of up to 500 Manhattan residents from which the court can draw to empanel the jury that will judge arguably one of the most well-known and controversial men in the world.
Jurors must answer a questionnaire including checks on whether they have been members of far-right groups associated with Trump.
As the prospective jurors, a diverse group reflecting different ages and backgrounds from Manhattan, entered the courtroom, one woman in her 30s was overheard saying, “I just couldn’t do it.” They walked past Trump and took their seats in the courtroom. Some craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the former president. When the judge introduced Trump as the defendant, he stood and turned, offering them a restrained smile.
Justice Juan M. Merchan welcomed the prospective jurors to his courtroom, and began to describe the case, which was brought by the Manhattan district attorney‘s office and accused Trump of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal. He is facing 34 felony counts, and, if convicted, could face up to four years in prison.
Throughout Monday afternoon, Trump remained hunched over the defense table as Merchan instructed the prospective jurors.
When the judge explained that he would be responsible for imposing a sentence if Trump were convicted, Trump let out a sarcastic chuckle. He laughed again when Merchan promised a fair trial, while Bragg observed from the second row.
As the selection process continued in Manhattan, more than a dozen court officers were stationed around the courtroom, and Trump strained to see the prospective jurors. Choosing the 12 jurors, who have been granted anonymity to safeguard them from potential bribery or harm, is anticipated to be a lengthy and complex process. According to one of Trump’s lawyers, it could stretch out for as long as two weeks.