Who’s Deciding Sam Bankman-Fried’s Fate? Meet the Jurors!
Ever wondered who sits on the jury for high-profile trials? Would you believe it’s often people just like you and me?
Who Are These Jurors?
It’s a common misconception that jurors in big cases are experts in the trial’s subject matter. In most cases, nothing is further than the truth. Did you know that in big business and tech trials, many jurors might not even realize the real-world implications of their verdict?
They might not be aware that their decision could shape major business moves, both locally and globally. But isn’t this lack of expertise a concern? On the contrary, it ensures that biases are left outside the courtroom, making jurors focus solely on the facts and evidence.
A Glimpse into the Day Two of the FTX trial:
On the second day of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial, what happened? Jury selection, opening statements, and testimonies from the first two witnesses.
Here’s a snapshot of the diverse group deciding the case. (An asterisk indicates prior jury service.)
59-year-old male, father of three. Fun fact: one of his kids works at a bank.*
50-year-old female, a train conductor and mom of five.
47-year-old female librarian, living with her cats, sister, and ailing mother.
65-year-old retired corrections officer and mother of three.
61-year-old male postal worker.*
43-year-old IT specialist from Ukraine, a mom of two.
33-year-old nurse from Westchester, NY.
40-year-old social worker, currently job hunting.*
53-year-old Duke grad, mom of two, with a non-profit background.
55-year-old special education teacher w/academic and banking background.
69-year-old retired banker, a Stanford alum with a recent health diagnosis.
39-year-old physician assistant, expecting her first child.
What’s Your Take?
Are you surprised by this jury’s makeup? Did you expect something different?
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A personal note (and rant) from yours truly…
In my 37 years as a trial lawyer, I’ve tried more than 70 civil and criminal cases. I can vouch for our system. Despite its flaws, it’s unparalleled in its pursuit of truth and justice.
Thomas Jefferson once said, “I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” I couldn’t agree more.
My rant is here. Fasten your seatbelt.
https://mitchjackson.com/2022/06/03/why-im-proud-to-be-a-trial-lawyer/
