Tina Magnergård Bjers/TT
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full screen The likely Republican presidential candidate, ex-president Donald Trump, photographed in the court in New York where a criminal trial against him is ongoing. Photo: Brendan McDermid/AP/TT
Twelve sworn men and women are ready as jurors in the historic criminal trial of former President Donald Trump.
But six replacements still remain to be appointed before the negotiations in New York can begin.
The jury process is rigorous in the case. On Thursday, a total of 96 aspirants will be let through the security screening and into the courtroom to answer Judge Juan Merchan’s two questions: Can they be impartial and have the reasons why they cannot attend the entire trial?
Those who pass the first screening have to fill out a form with 42 questions that, among other things, focus on media habits and whether they have participated in mass political meetings.
Both the prosecution and the defense participate in the selection process, they ask questions and have the right to dismiss ten jury candidates each.
The ex-president’s lawyers are mainly asking questions about the possible jurors’ image of Trump, while the prosecution wants to know if they think they can put preconceived notions aside, reports CNN.
According to AP, the jury includes a salesperson, a software expert, an English teacher and several lawyers. One of those released through the eye of the needle is reported to be a grandfather and told the court that he found Trump “fascinating”.
So far, the jury selection has gone unexpectedly fast. If it continues at the same pace, the opening remarks could be held as early as the beginning of next week.
The indictment is on 34 counts and relates to accounting offences. Trump is suspected, among other things, of having ordered payments to a porn actor so that he would keep quiet about a relationship with him – but booked this as legal costs.
The trial is expected to last at least six weeks, with Trump present.