Now, we have an afternoon break.
Judge Mudd STILL refuses to Sequester the Jury, even tho they have sent him NOTES saying they are under pressure...
Mudd, IF YOU ARE READING THIS...YOU ARE A JERK!
sw
I understand the arguments against Westerfields guilt probably as well as anyone. I just have come to a conclusion different than you.
At this time, I would expect that the jury will be divided and the fact that the pros. didn't get a more definitive argument against the bug guys it will leave the ability for some Juror's to hold out against a guilty verdict. My best guess is that at this time there will be a hung jury. If, so I believe the pros will be better prepared to put the bugs on trail at a later date or a deal would be made (still possible). Keep in mind that it was Feldman who hasten process as an advantage to his client which in retrospect has worked well.
The things that would change the status is 1. The jury instructions on how to weigh the meaning of "reasonable doubt" and 2. The ability of Dusek to weave together the evidence into an air tight scenario backed by the evidence and testimony.
I also predict that in the event he is found guilty by the jurors the folks who feel Westerfield is innocent will claim that the jurors were deceived (or possibly intimidated) by a corrupt judge and a corrupt prosecutor and that Westerfield never had a chance to a fair trial.
I predict that those who think Westerfileld is guily will blame it mostly on bad science and the speed that the trial took place and make references to the OJ trial. .
113 posted on 8/2/02 3:44 PM Eastern by VRWC_minion
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I don't think the Juries should be sequestered, generally. In a very high profile case like this maybe -- I'd allow that the Judge, Judge Mudd, made a solid judgement of the juries maturity. Their bios are decent enough.
However in this particular case I do think that the Jury should have been sequestered once the presentations were finished, and before the closing arguments.
"Oh Jury, Jury, Jury, just don't pay those people no mind! I have faith in you. I'd advise you to watch Court TV to keep the details fresh in your memory."