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WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers and Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team are at odds over how much prospective jurors must disclose about their personal politics in questionnaires in the classified documents case. .
The jury questionnaire jointly proposed by both sides agreed on most questions, but it was noted that there were disagreements on some questions, such as questions about political affiliation.
The defense proposed questions about whether potential jurors are registered voters and registered with a political party and whether they voted in the 2020 election. The special counsel team objected to the submission’s questions Wednesday.
The special counsel proposed asking potential jurors whether they believe the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Trump’s team objected to the question.
Mr. Trump’s team has asked for additional questions about whether prospective jurors view politicians negatively. The survey also asked about opinions about federal prosecutors, law enforcement, criminal defense attorneys, and judges.
The proposed questions could give lawyers insight into a potential juror’s political affiliations or biases, which could influence how both sides seek to select jurors. be. The trial, which centers on allegations that President Trump improperly handled classified documents, is scheduled to begin on May 20.
The two sides disagreed on how to characterize the length of the trial to potential jurors. Mr. Smith’s team says the trial will last about four to six weeks, while Mr. Trump’s team has argued that it should be structured as a longer trial lasting eight to 10 weeks.
Although disagreements arose over the selection of questions, both parties agreed on most of the 31-page questionnaire.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Trump’s team agreed to the question of whether prospective jurors had placed bumper stickers or magnets on their cars in the past five years. Such magnets are often used to show support for a politician or issue.
The parties also agreed to a question asking potential jurors to name and explain three people they most and least respect.
Mr. Trump’s legal team and special counsel team agreed on the question: “What are the primary sources of news and commentary?” But the special counsel’s team is asking prospective jurors to check all relevant sources, and Mr. Trump’s team is asking them to rank the relevant sources. Media outlets from which jurors may choose include local and national news outlets, as well as media outlets across the political spectrum.
In the second half of the survey, Smith’s team asked potential jurors the following question: “Please describe the amount of media coverage you have seen or heard about this case.” Mr. Trump’s team opposed this language.
On Thursday, lawyers for Mr. Smith and Mr. Trump proposed a new trial date. Mr. Trump’s lawyers suggested an August start date, while Mr. Smith’s team suggested a July start date.
Trump was indicted in June on charges of mishandling classified documents. In July, he was additionally indicted on suspicion of participating in a plot to obstruct an investigation. Trump and his two co-defendants have pleaded not guilty.
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