Kathy E <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
In an unusual moment in court, one juror in the trial of daycare
provider Suzanne Johnson appeared to have made up his mind about her
guilt or innocence only eight hours into deliberations. We don't know if
this juror has decided guilt or innocence though. The judge has debated
on replacing the juror, the defense is taking a gamble hoping the juror
has decided innocent or at the least for a hung jury, and is fighting
having the juror removed. The judge not wanting to be overturned if
there is a conviction and a appeal is being very careful in what he does
and says in this instance.
The jury foreman brought the matter to Judge William Mudd's attention in
the early afternoon, saying that one juror was unwilling to discuss the
evidence any further.
This singular juror, the foreman said in a note and then in court,
refused to continue deliberations even at the behest of other jurors,
turning the jury room into complete chaos.
Judge Mudd, calling the situation like "walking on Jell-O," then brought
the entire jury back into the courtroom, and over defense objections,
re-read two jury instructions and asked them to continue their work.
He also said they should individually continue to consider the charges
against Johnson, but should deliberate as a group and respect each
others' opinions.
For those of you who might recognize Judge Mudd's name he was the
presiding judge in the Danny Palmer murder trial in San Diego, from what
I have heard he is highly respected in the law field. Ed may know more
about him though.
--
Kathy E
"I can only please one person a day, today is NOT your day, and tomorrow
isn't looking too good for you either"
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