So we started the day with seven jurors. We're now at six. Next up, five?
A quick note: The press likely will be scrutinizing the language of the Merchan's order directing, in his words, that reporters refrain from disclosing physically identifying information about potential jurors. So if there's a Batson challenge — alleging a juror was stricken based on race or another protected characteristic — reporters may not be able to tell you why.
Analysis: Concerns about the privacy and safety of anonymous jurors in the historic first prosecution of a former U.S. president are serious, sparking serious conversations about journalism ethics in most newsrooms. At the same time, trust and accountability about the system depends on responsible reporting on how the process works—beyond the stereotypes about the New York jury pool. There are good reasons to know about the diversity and fairness of the panel, while protecting juror security. Most responsible reporters and news organizations have been grappling about how to balance these objectives. Now, back to the news.
A first: One woman informed the court that she read the book by Mark Pomerantz, the ex-special prosecutor who resigned from DA Bragg's office frustrated about his (erroneous) perception that he would not indict Trump.
Laughter in the press overflow room at the mention of the Pomerantz book.
This potential juror: "I believe that no one is above the law." Fourth one to say that.
A potential juror says that she read "the first 10 pages" of Michael Cohen's book "Disloyal."
Juror #4 has been excused. And then there were five...
A potential juror: “I firmly believe in innocent until proven guilty — again, just as a lawyer.” Two attorneys are already on the jury.
A fifth potential juror has said that he's read Trump's "Art of the Deal." (The fourth appeared to indicate that he only read passages.)
A potential juror from Italy is excused after disclosing that he followed a lot of news about Silvio Berlusconi, the country's serially prosecuted ex-prime minister. It affects his ability to be fair, he says. Gone.