Judge in Senator’s Trial Refuses to Dismiss Juror for ‘Violent Outbursts’
The federal judge overseeing the corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens refused to dismiss a juror yesterday despite a note from the foreman that called her “rude, disrespectful and unreasonable.”
The note said the woman had “violent outbursts” and was “not following the laws and rules that were stipulated in the instructions,” the Washington Post reports. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan gave the jurors a talk about the need for civility and mutual respect, but did not dismiss the woman.
But Sullivan may have to replace a different juror who has left Washington D.C. because of a death in the family, The Hill reports. Sullivan postponed jury deliberations until at least Monday to accommodate the juror. He indicated he could push back deliberations until Wednesday but asked an alternate juror about the possibility of serving if she is needed.
The Associated Press reports that tension in the jury room is usually a good sign for the defense because it increases the likelihood of a hung jury. The Hill says defense lawyers have opposed appointment of an alternate on the ground it could change the dynamics in the jury room.
