Results for: Jury Bias

Prosecutors in Alameda County, California, have been accused of intentionally excluding Black and Jewish jurors in murder trials dating back to the 1990s. The revelation comes from handwritten notes discovered in the case of Earnest Dykes, who was convicted in 1993 of killing a 9-year-old girl. Federal Judge Vince Chhabria has ordered a review of dozens of death penalty convictions in the county, as prosecutors are suspected of engaging in a pattern of serious misconduct. The Alameda County District Attorney’s office has identified 35 death penalty cases going back to 1977 that will be reviewed, and the scope may expand to include other cases if additional issues are discovered.

On the eve of a contempt hearing regarding his alleged violation of a gag order, former President Trump has once again spoken out about the jurors in his criminal trial, calling them ‘95% Democrats’ and lamenting that he is facing an ‘unfair situation.’ This latest outburst follows previous comments made by Trump questioning the impartiality of Judge Juan Merchan and attacking potential witnesses. Legal analysts believe Trump’s actions are intended to provoke the judge, who is expected to decide whether or not Trump has violated the gag order. The former president’s remarks have also raised concerns about the integrity of the trial and the potential for further interference from Trump.

A federal judge has ordered a review of all death penalty cases in Alameda County over concerns of prosecutorial misconduct. The investigation stems from evidence of potential bias in the case of Earnest Dykes, who was convicted and sentenced to death in 1993. Allegations suggest that Black and Jewish jurors may have been excluded from the jury in an attempt to secure a more favorable outcome. Alameda County DA Pamela Price has initiated a comprehensive review of all 35 existing death penalty cases, emphasizing the importance of addressing unethical behavior and upholding constitutional principles.