…A pool of eligible local citizens has been called to appear by Hennepin County in Minnesota. From them, a jury of 12 and four alternates will be selected. It could take weeks.
Although it is highly unlikely potential jurors will have no prior knowledge of the case – George Floyd’s death in May last year in Minneapolis inspired weeks of global protests – they will be questioned to determine whether they will be able to judge Derek Chauvin fairly.
The prosecution and defence can both ask Judge Peter Cahill to dismiss a potential juror “for cause” if they perceive bias. The prosecution can also dismiss nine potential jurors – and the defence team 15 – without giving any reason, although this can be objected to.
