Erik Larson
@eelarson
Bloomberg News reporter
Judge Lewis Kaplan is about to bring in 48 jurors for voir dire. Before calling them in, he told both parties and their lawyers to "refrain from making any statements that will incite violence or civil unrest," echoing concerns he raised when he mandated using an anonymous jury
Trump isn't here and we don't know if he'll show up for any part of the 5-7 trial (defendants aren't required to attend in such cases). But I did just spot musician Ed Sheerhan in the court cafeteria, sporting a suit and sitting with his lawyers. His copyright trial is underway.
"The name of the game here is utter fairness and impartiality," Judge Kaplan says to the first group of potential jurors in the courtroom. He's letting them know he'll excuse them if they say they don't think they can be fair and impartial.
"I don't know your name, and nobody in this room knows your name," Judge Kaplan said. "God willing—no one will know your names and if you don't want anyone to know your names—that's within your power." The judge decided last month that the jury would be anonymous to protect them
tells prospective jurors the panel will be anonymous "to protect all of you from unwanted attention, from harassment, from invasions of your privacy & ensure that nothing nothing happens that could interfere with your ability to fairly & impartially decide the case."
Judge Kaplan has described to the prospective jurors the alleged assault as well as Trump's allegedly defamatory social-media post from last Oct. calling Carroll a liar. The judge says Trump denies it all. "That's the gist," Kaplan says. A few jurors say they can't be impartial
Ten prospective jurors were just excused by Judge Kaplan from the first group of 48 after they raised their hands to indicate they don't believe they can be impartial in the trial. The judge didn't ask them to elaborate. The rest are now being asked questions
Judge asks potential jurors if they are registered to vote. All present indicate they are. "That's something to be said for your democracy, " the judge said. "How about that, folks. That's terrific." Judge is now seeking to find out who among them are political involved
Not all of the potential jurors voted in 2016 and 2020, though, the judge is finding out. But some did give money to candidates like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden. None of the potential jurors say they've been to a Trump rally or believe the 2020 election was stolen
Judge now asking if potential jurors support the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, the KKK, Thin Blue Line or Trump Supporters New York City, as well as the Communist Party. "No affirmative response," the judge says.
All of the potential jurors indicate that they can be fair to both sides regardless of whatever knowledge they may have about Trump's other legal woes. Someone indicates they watched "Celebrity Apprentice," but tells the judge they can be fair to both sides.
The judge asked the potential jurors if any of them believe that allegations of sexual assault are less believable if the victim waited decades to make their allegation, or if the victim didn't seek immediate medal help. None raised their hand for either question.
Judge Kaplan, after talking to lawyers for Trump and
#EJeanCarroll at the sidebar, asks the potential jurors if any of them "believe Mr. Trump has been treated unfairly by the press." One man appears to say yes but tells the judge he can be fair and impartial regardless.