The Trial - Opening Statements

I should mention that prior to our being sworn in, the judge had specified that we could not talk to anyone or discuss any aspect of the trial while the trial was in progress. No postings on the internet and certainly no research on the internet or anywhere. Those outside sources would influence our verdict and we were not allowed to do any of that. She also prohibited us from talking to any of the lawyers or law enforcement people or the witnesses. She said that it’s best to ignore them as no one could tell from afar what you might be discussing. In addition, the jurors themselves were not allowed to talk about the case with each other until the trial was completed.

The judge described how the United States Government, or more correctly, the lawyers representing the government would have the burden of proof. They would have to produce all the evidence to show beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty of the crimes for which he was charged.

The prosecution (or the government) made their opening statements. They told us that the defendant was being charged with two items: 1) Conspiracy to Money Launder 2) Violation of the Travel Act. (Both of which was explained by the judge early on and why I decided to disclose the fact that I work in the Legal and Compliance division of my company). They explained briefly what those charges meant and that there would be 6 witnesses from whom we would be hearing testimony.

Then the defense gave their opening statement. The defense council explained that there was a lot of incompetence in the investigation and that the evidence would not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that his client was guilty.