JURY VOIR DIRE DAY 1
PROCESS
Today the attorneys asked questions of potential jury members. There are 150 potential jurors. A computer generated random numbered list, and we go in that order.
We start with jurors 1-12, if neither defense nor prosecution has any objection, that is our jury. If one side objects to a juror, then that person is stricken and replaced by another potential juror. The process continues until both sides stop striking. Each side gets 45 strikes where they don’t have to state a reason. There are unlimited strikes for cause, but you have to convince the judge there is a serious enough concern about fairness.
For example, one juror said he would never vote not guilty because he supports the action 100%. He was stricken from the jury without costing the prosecution one of their strikes. :(
HIGHLIGHTS
One juror expressed that as a descendant of holocaust survivors, she strongly supported the defendant’s cause and would find it very difficult to find them guilty of a crime.
Another potential juror was surprised this was a felony case, and asked the prosecutor “are these being charged as a felony to be more punitive?” The prosecutor did not respond
Many potential jurors expressed a strong belief in civil disobedience and did not want this case to be prosecuted.
One said there were so many problems in this city, it didn’t make sense why everyone was here unless someone died.
Some jurors were confused when they heard the charges of false imprisonment and heard there was a felony, but then it was just a bridge protest.
Unfortunately, the potential jurors who were vocal about their support of Palestine and Direct action get stricken by the prosecution.
Not all potential jurors supported the action, but San Francisco is showing up strong! Hoping that the residents of the city will continue to stand against genocide and prosecution.
ROUNDUP
The prosecution exercised 6 strikes today, and the defense exercised 3. We don’t have a jury yet, so we’ll keep going tomorrow - stay tuned and stay steadfast ❤️