Actually, it is in the oath all jurors take. They are to judge the evidence without any prejudice. A prosecutor or cop's theory that a guy is guilty isn't evidence at all just as opening and closing arguments are not evidence. [modsnip] Jeez, even after it was over he announced that Michelle died as a result of domestic violence even though there was no evidence whatsoever that Jason ever physically assaulted Michelle. This case is so over the top as far as a miscarriage of justice, it is ridiculous. in my humble opinion.
Oath for Petit Juror
You do solemnly swear (affirm) that you will truthfully and without prejudice or partiality try all issues in civil or criminal actions that come before you and give true verdicts according to the evidence, so help you, God
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByChapter/Chapter_11.pdf
Here is the link to the Judge's comments. http://raleightelegram.com/201404026068
The Judge also presided in the civil case the appellate court deemed highly prejudicial and should not have been admitted.
It seems fundamentally unfair for the jury to be advised that a judgment has been entered declaring him the killer, his attorney also told the appeals court.
Youngs attorney also said that the Wake County Courts made an error when they entered evidence from Jason Youngs custody battle regarding his daughter, which was another civil case.
The three judge panel on the North Carolina Court of Appeals evidently agreed and in a 58 page opinion published at the end of March, they said that those items should not have been introduced at the murder trial.
This evidence also severely impacted defendants ability to receive a fair trial, said the judges in their published opinion. This is similar to the prejudice that a jury has when it learns a defendant is previously convicted of charged offenses.
Judge Stephens said in his address to the court that he believed that Young exhibited a pattern of domestic abuse that ultimately culminated in her death.
This case is similar to every other case of domestic violence that has been played out in this courtroom in years past, said Stephens in 2012. The assailant that actually killed Michelle Young inflicted a beating on her. This woman wasnt just murdered, she suffered a beating the likes of which we seldom see. This woman was punished.
....I would say the evidence in this case suggests that Mr. Young has a significant mental health issue, he has significant anger management issues and significant issues involving women, said Judge Stephens. All of this evidence is clear and consistent and unmistakable in a pattern of domestic violence.