In the ongoing criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, lawyers on both sides are utilizing social media to vet potential jurors for any hidden biases or extreme views that could impact the outcome of the case. With nearly 200 potential jurors brought in for selection, some have already been dismissed based on online posts revealing anti-Trump sentiments or celebratory comments about Joe Biden’s election victory.
Both the defense and prosecution are aiming to select a competent jury that may slightly favor their respective cases. Experts emphasize the importance of identifying and eliminating potential jurors who could pose a threat to their clients. Despite the use of social media checks in jury selection, some jurors are able to hide their online activity or maintain private accounts.
Trump’s legal team has been particularly aggressive in using social media research to scrutinize potential jurors’ fairness and impartiality. The judge holds the authority to dismiss jurors, while each side is permitted to strike up to 10 jurors they find unsatisfactory. Trump himself has expressed frustration with the limited number of strikes allowed in selecting jurors.
The jury selection process involves questioning potential jurors about their views on Trump and their ability to remain impartial. Some jurors have been dismissed due to unfavorable opinions of Trump, while others have been retained based on the judge’s discretion. Certain potential jurors have been eliminated due to their affinity for Trump’s humor or previous connections to cases involving the former president.
Criminal defense attorney Sabrina Shroff describes jury selection as a stressful yet critical component of any trial. Shroff relies on her instincts to choose jurors and acknowledges the challenges of interpreting social media profiles for jury selection. As the trial continues, the impact of social media on jury selection remains a significant factor in ensuring a fair and impartial outcome.
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