November 02, 2006

ID: manslaughter mistrial in Idaho Falls

What does it take to keep some jurors awake?

From KIFI:

Mistrial Declared in Mother's Trial

An Idaho Falls mother charged with the death of her own son has a new trial. Thursday after more graphic evidence and powerful testimony, Judge Anderson declare(d) a mistrial. The defense filed the motion after continuing concerns that some of the jurors were not paying attention.

From KPVI:

Savannah Berrey Mistrial

After three days of testimony, the trial ended before all witnesses took the stand and a verdict was reached. The judge declared a mistrial in the involuntary manslaughter case against Savannah Berrey. Berrey's public defender said his client was not getting a fair trial because of numerous jury concerns...

The three reasons explained by Judge Gregory Anderson were these: ...a female juror was seen nodding off Wednesday afternoon; she was later warned to stay alert. Today, it was brought to the court's attention about a relationship between a juror and Public Defender Jordan Crane's secretary. Also today, another female juror was seen asleep or being inattentive...

2 Comments:

CM said...

I sympathize with the sleepy jurors. They have to sit still all day and listen. If you've been up all night with your kid, you might not be able to stay awake no matter how important it is. Jurors should get stretch breaks once in a while instead of just being warned to stay awake.

Also, since you report on all things PD, today Manolo's Shoe Blog recommended loafers for a firm lawyer, because "Vans, they do not belong here, you are not working for the office of the publics defender!" http://shoeblogs.com/wordpress/2006/11/03/manolo-the-columnist-55/

Anonymous said...

Far too many women are completely self-absorbed and don't even care if they appear incompetent.