Milwaukee County Judge Dugan trial; inside jury selection
Judge Dugan trial: Inside jury selection process
Newly released court records provide insight into jury selection for Judge Hannah Dugan’s trial.
MILWAUKEE - New court documents are offering a detailed look at how jurors were vetted – and why some were removed – ahead of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan’s trial.
What we know:
As part of the process, jurors were required to complete questionnaires aimed at determining whether they could be fair and impartial in a high-profile case involving a sitting judge.
Those questionnaires and follow-up questioning span 132 pages of court documents obtained by FOX6. The records outline how prosecutors and defense attorneys narrowed the jury pool for Dugan’s trial, in which she is accused of helping an undocumented man evade immigration enforcement earlier this year.
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Milwaukee County Judge Dugan trial: Live updates Monday, Dec. 15
Attorneys delivered opening statements and testimony began in the trial of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan began on Monday, Dec. 15.
Court records dated Dec. 11 show potential jurors were asked whether they had prior knowledge of the case and about their opinions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the federal government. Answers that raised concerns led to additional questioning behind closed doors inside Judge Lynn Adelman’s chambers.
By the numbers:
Documents show potential jurors returned to court last Thursday for that follow-up process. Eight people were ultimately removed from consideration.
Three prospective jurors were dismissed after expressing bias against Judge Dugan, her actions, or after stating they had already formed an opinion of guilt based on news coverage. Two others cited scheduling conflicts involving their children, including one who was also ill.
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One potential juror said they could not remain impartial after viewing surveillance video connected to the case. Another told the court they feared retaliation from the current administration. One additional juror was excused because of a work-related conflict.
On Monday, there were 13 jurors instead of 14 after one called in sick.
Judge Dugan trial: Sick call on the jury panel
One of the more interesting developments in the Judge Hannah Dugan trial on Monday, Dec. 15 is that one of the jurors called out sick.
The Source: FOX6 News obtained the court documents and has been following the trial.