Jury Selection Commences in Historic Trump Hush Money Trial

By
Alex Jones
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3

Jury selection commenced on Monday in New York City for former President Donald Trump’s trial involving hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels during his presidential campaign in 2016. Judge Juan Merchan presides over the case, in which Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.

The Jury Selection Process

The jury selection procedure is straightforward: Prospective jurors are seated in the jury box and questioned based on a 42-question questionnaire. Questions cover the juror’s work history, political affiliations, and media consumption habits.

The prospective jurors must be Manhattan residents and are asked the questions one by one in a loud, clear voice. They may face follow-up inquiries as needed, depending on their initial answers.

Key Questions on the Questionnaire

The 42-question questionnaire delves into various aspects of the potential jurors’ lives. Some notable questions include:

Question 1:

  • Neighborhood of residence, years of residency, and status as a native New Yorker.

    • Question 2:

  • Occupation, duration, and if retired, prior profession.

    • Question 3:

  • Current and prior employers, their sizes, and employment status (self-employed or business owner).

    • Question 4:

  • Educational background.

    • Question 5:

  • Marital status, children, and spouse’s or partner’s occupation.

    • Question 10:

  • News platforms, cable networks, and social media outlets followed or engaged with.

    • Question 14:

  • Employment history in law enforcement or criminal justice agencies.

    • Question 29:

  • Involvement with organizations or entities linked to Trump, such as his presidential campaigns or administration.

    • Ensuring a Fair and Impartial Jury

    Both legal teams in the case are entitled to challenge potential jurors based on concerns about fairness and impartiality. They may also use their limited number of peremptory challenges to remove jurors without providing a reason.

    The goal of jury selection is to find 12 individuals who are unbiased, open to evidence, and willing to deliberate rationally to determine Trump’s guilt or innocence.

    Trump’s Status as a Former President

    Trump’s trial marks a historic moment as he is the first US ex-president to face criminal charges. If convicted, he could face substantial penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

    The jury selection process will determine the composition of the jury that will ultimately decide Trump’s fate in this groundbreaking trial.

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