Lawyers Argue Over “Class” of Jurors

Prosecutors and defense attorneys in the Rod Blagojevich corruption trial today openly disagreed about one prospective juror.

Juror #178 was a somewhat forlorn man, on disability, who said he spends most days watching reruns of old TV shows like the Beverly Hillbillies.  He lives in his uncle's house, and admitted he was once arrested for burglarizing a boxcar.  He also confessed he once stabbed his own brother, but said it was in self defense.

The government  wanted him out.  Prosecutor Reid Schar argued the man hid things on his jury questionairre, that he was financially unstable, that he seemed extremely nervous, and may be someone who could not get along with the other jurors.

Defense lawyer Sheldon Sorosky vehemently objected.  He said Schar was opposing #178 because he "would not be in a Norman Rockwell painting."

"He certainly is very honest," Sorosky said.  "We have developed a class standard if we say this man cannot serve. ... Maybe Mr. Schar wants the king's soldiers!"

Zagel said in this juror he saw someone who was trying "as hard as he could," but was detached from society. 

He excused the man for cause.
 

Contact Us