01-05-2022, 08:46 AM
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#186
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Norm!
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https://nationalpost.com/news/world/...x=1641392519-1
Quote:
NEW YORK — Ghislaine Maxwell could file for a mistrial after one of the jurors in her sex-trafficking trial revealed he was a victim of childhood sexual abuse, legal experts told The Daily Telegraph.
Speaking for the first time since Maxwell was found guilty of enticing minors to be abused, a juror described himself as a survivor of sexual abuse and indicated that this had informed his decision.
If it was not disclosed in the questionnaire jurors were made to fill out before selection, this “could definitely be an issue”, said Moira Penza, a former federal prosecutor in New York. “I certainly hope the juror disclosed this fully on his questionnaire. A little strange the defence didn’t strike him.
“In the first instance it would likely form the basis for a motion… for a new trial,” she said.
Question 48 in the questionnaire asks: “Have you or a friend or family member ever been the victim of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, or sexual assault? (This includes actual or attempted sexual assault or other unwanted sexual advance, including by a stranger, acquaintance, supervisor, teacher, or family member.)”
Article content
Questions 48b adds: “If your answer to 48 was yes, do you believe that this would affect your ability to serve fairly and impartially as a juror in this case?”
A source close to the Maxwell family described the interview as “very interesting”. They have already declared their intention to appeal but have not laid out their legal grounds. A judge may declare a mistrial in a criminal case for several reasons, including lack of jurisdiction and incorrect jury selection, a new trial may then be heard.
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My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
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