NJ - New Trial Declared for Doctor Who Didn’t Swear Oath on Bible, Upsetting a Juror

[JerseyGirl]

In 2011, a New Jersey jury found that Dr. Abbas Husain created a “hostile work environment” and sexually harassed Tomikia Davis, one of his part-time employees. Davis was awarded $12,500. A Superior Court Judge also made Husain’s side give her $103,000 in legal fees.

But there was a problem. It was later discovered that one of the jurors was inclined to vote against Husain no matter what because, when he took the stand to defend himself, the Hindu man didn’t take an oath on the Bible.

Her bias led to a series of appeals over the next several years, and an Appeals Court has now declared that Husain deserves a new trial.

Doctor who didn't touch Bible gets new trial over harassment claim

New Trial Declared for Doctor Who Didn’t Swear Oath on Bible, Upsetting a Juror

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

hmph, interesting, let's see where this goes.

 

[Inthedetails]

Oh for pete's sake.

 

[Soulmagent]

Oh for pete's sake.

I have been sworn in before and never touched a bible. The first appeal should have been granted, if not the whole case declared a mistrial. IMO. IANAL.

 

[TTF14]

What?! I'm a Christian, but do not believe a Hindu man should be required to swear on the Bible. What would it even mean to him?

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

Oh for pete's sake.

O/T @Inthedetails - I just love that expression! Not many other phrases can encompass all that that little idiom does!

 

[TTF14]

O/T @Inthedetails - I just love that expression! Not many other phrases can encompass all that that little idiom does!

Good Grief!! does it pretty well too lol!

 

[LadyL]

I've been discriminated against in a trial because I chose to 'affirm that I would tell the truth' rather than 'swearing on a Bible'. The defendant openly mocked me (in front of the judge who did nothing) and insinuated that I could not be trusted to be an honest witness because I wasn't Christian.

I'm glad this man is getting a new trial. The woman was clearly a bigot.