My experience as a prospective juror in a criminal case [View all]

All prospective jurors were under oath to answer truthfully.

I made the first cut. Educated with three degrees and nine years of college and graduate studies.

Then came the survey. Our present employment. What type of media did we regularly engage in. Including social media.

I answered that I was a defense attorney and I didn't entirely trust police to accurately record what actually happened.

I also put down that I was a devotee of MSNBC and regularly viewed Rachel Maddow, Chris Hayes, Joy Reed, etc. For radio, I listened to WBAI, an independent franchise of Pacifica Radio. I listed one program on it, "On The Count," which is devoted to the rights of convicted inmates.

I was asked if I could listen to this criminal case and remain impartial. I responded that I could.

However, the prosecutors excused me with one of their preemptory challenges. It's their right. My progressive views indicated that I would be a loud voice during deliberations and they just didn't want to take that chance.

So, as far as TSF's team wanting their jury panel to contain just one dissenting voice, it will be difficult. If that one voice lied on his/her survey and his/her "interview" with the judge before being seated, s/he will be removed during deliberations and replaced with an alternate juror. The proverbial fine-tooth comb will be applied to ALL prospects.