Introduction to the Retrial
Jury selection continued for Karen Read’s retrial on Friday, but the day ended with the same number of jurors selected. There were 10, after the court lost one who’d been seated and another was added.
The Ongoing Process
The process had been going faster than many expected — though jury selection on Friday came after the bombshell news broke that Read is appealing her case all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. This was the next and final step in her appeal after it was denied by a federal appeals court last week. Read’s legal team is hopeful the Supreme Court will agree that her constitutional protection against double jeopardy means two of the three charges against her should be dropped.
The Appeal to the Supreme Court
They’re arguing that based on the fact that multiple jurors have come forward since the first trial ended in a mistrial to say they were unanimously in favor of acquitting her on two of the charges before a mistrial was declared. Karen Read’s legal team continues to try to have the murder charge against her dismissed even as jury selection continues for her second trial.
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Potential Impact on the Retrial
If the Supreme Court takes the case up, it could put the retrial on hold. "They don’t just take anything on these circumstances," said a skeptical Chris Dearborn, a professor at Suffolk Law School. "I have yet to be convinced frankly that the legal arguments that the defense are making will carry the day." A lawyer for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office filed a notice with the Supreme Court on Friday saying that all parties being sued by Read are declining to file a response unless the Supreme Court asks for it.
Current Status of Jury Selection
But for now, jury selection continues with 10 jurors already seated in the first three days. Judge Beverly Cannone is hoping to get at least 16 jurors seated before the trial can begin. NBC Boston Legal Analyst Michael Coyne says the process seems to be moving faster than anticipated. “It’s surprising that so many are able to put aside what they know and at least promise the court that they will only resolve the case on the evidence submitted during the second trial," Coyne said.
Additional Legal Proceedings
Meanwhile, there’s a hearing set for this afternoon in federal court concerning the lawsuit filed by some of Karen Read’s supporters over the expanded buffer zone.
Conclusion
The retrial of Karen Read is ongoing with jury selection progressing, albeit with its challenges. The appeal to the Supreme Court adds a layer of complexity to the case, potentially affecting the timeline of the retrial. As the legal proceedings continue, the public awaits the outcome, with many following the case through NBC10 Boston’s social media channels.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of Karen Read’s retrial?
A: Jury selection is ongoing, with 10 jurors selected so far. - Q: Is Karen Read appealing her case?
A: Yes, she is appealing to the Supreme Court of the United States. - Q: What is the basis of her appeal?
A: Her legal team argues that her constitutional protection against double jeopardy means two of the three charges against her should be dropped. - Q: Could the appeal affect the retrial?
A: Yes, if the Supreme Court takes the case, it could put the retrial on hold. - Q: Where can one follow updates on the case?
A: Through NBC10 Boston’s social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
