Comments on: Libby Trial Jury Selection: Day One Recap of Libby’s Dilemma

By: Scottfree

Scottfree — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:31:27 +0000

This is great everyone, wonderful coverage and insights – big thanks.

“Oh, aren’t you sweet!” – when ya hear that, you can only smile cause you know you done good. Go Fitz!

By: Lawyer Smith

Lawyer Smith — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:50:28 +0000

As I trial attorney I see the defense tactic as one that will weed out most anti-Cheney potential jurors but will not exclude his most adamant supporters who, as they listen to other jurors, will learn to answer questions about bias without revealing their bias. Some anti-Cheney folks may do this as well, but those folks are more likely to state their cause when questioned, and avoid jury duty, whereas the pro-Cheney folks will likely want to get on the jury to help their embattled hero. Kind of like in a criminal case involving the death penalty where anyone opposed to the implementation of death as punishment is excluded from the jury but those with equally strong views in the other direction are allowed to serve. This blog did a nice job uncovering the importance of opening statements, but oftentimes a juror will begin to lean or make up his mind based on the questions asked in voir dire of potential jurors. Sometimes cases are won by an effective set-up in voir dire.

By: Pete Bogs

Pete Bogs — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 16:26:43 +0000

the key is not finding a juror or two who agree with the current troop surge; not if you believe the notion that people can be objective when serving on a jury… the key is finding someone who can set aside whatever they believe, listen to the facts and make a judgment based on what’s presented to them… that won’t be easy, but not because so many people have already been “tainted” here, but because human beings will always carry some prejudices into every situation… none of us is a blank slate…

By: Exile on Jones Street / Morning Post: Scooter on Trial edition

Exile on Jones Street / Morning Post: Scooter on Trial edition — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:25:22 +0000

[…] Slate on Libby Day 1 NYT on Libby the puzzle Firedoglake on they, the jury […]

By: Outside The Beltway | OTB

Outside The Beltway | OTB — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:04:36 +0000

Can Scooter Libby Get a Fair Trial?

Lewis “Scooter” Libby may well find it hard to get a fair trial, if Pachacutec’s account of the jury selection yesterday is any indication: “no jurors were excused for cause based on any predispositions that might prejudice them…

By: looseheadprop

looseheadprop — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:55:11 +0000

neil @ 141

if, after a couple more days of this, libby wanted to switch to a non-jury trial, i.e., heard by the judge, could he do so?

yes

What is the point of no return? Is it the moment before the prosecutor’s opening argument?

I would have to research that, but I don’t think there is ever a point of no return. However, it would be stategically stupid. You just put a judge and the system through the considerably greater strain of creating this jury, now you want to waste all that effort and the person you have just pissed off hte most, the judge, becoms your soley trier of both law and FACT? It would be insane

By: freepatriot

freepatriot — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 09:05:45 +0000

Rosie @ 117

I think Libby’s tie has become the bright, shiny object in the room. It’s oddly mesmerizing.

That’s not a good thing.

scooter libby’s secret weapon is a “Hypno-Tie” ???

what’s next ???

Is scooter gonna summon Karnak the Mgnificant from the great beyond ???

By: freepatriot

freepatriot — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:59:31 +0000

Britisher @ 138

I’m no lawyer, but it seems to me that Libby’s lawyers are demanding a ridiculously high standard for ignorance of the specific case

I’m just asking.

if you’ve ever seen the Mainstream Media Outlets in America, you would understand that this isn’t really a “High Standard” to meet

we gots lots of ignorant people over here

scooter’s problem is finding jurors who don’t want to lynch him for “General Purposes”

I doubt cheney could reach his 12% national approval rating in the local DC area

and scooter might just be the scapegoat who saves george’s ass

By: freepatriot

freepatriot — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:50:41 +0000

RBG @ 35

Jane Hamsher @
26

This is so cool.

Yep, it sure is.

pastyfaced people in pajamas who stare at computer screens all day now think they’re “Cool”

what’s the world coming to ???

yo Jane,don’t let the bastard’s wear you down

By: neil

neil — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:19:23 +0000

if, after a couple more days of this, libby wanted to switch to a non-jury trial, i.e., heard by the judge, could he do so?

yes

What is the point of no return? Is it the moment before the prosecutor’s opening argument?