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| ANOTHER CHANGE OF VENUE? March 9, 2004 |
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| LACI & CONNER Pray For Justice |
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| Scott's double-murder trial may move once again, with defense attorneys suggesting Today they would likely seek a change of venue, among other things. Mark Geragos told a judge he believes too many prospective jurors already have concluded his client is guilty. "The prejudgment rate ... is at a level where the court needs to take some action," Geragos told the judge. Geragos said he would file a motion Monday "asking for one of three remedies." He said he would seek either: 1) A change of venue out of San Mateo County, 2) To have the judge revisit the issue ofhaving two juries -- one for the guilt phase and one for the penalty phase -- or 3) For the defense to be given an additional number of challenges to dismiss unwanted potential jurors. The defense and prosecution each has 20 chances to dismiss potential jurors before a panel of 12 and six alternates is seated. Geragos said he may file a motion seeking all three remedies. A Stanislaus County judge moved the case from Modesto to Redwood City after finding that a fair jury could not be seated in the couple's hometown. Geragos said Tuesday he based his arguments on initial reviews of the 23-page questionnaire that potential panelists have been filling out since jury selection began Thursday. "I'm going to argue that what we've seen from a statistically valid sample here in San Mateo County that there has to be some remedy," Geragos told the judge. About 600 potential jurors have filled out the questionnaire attorneys will use to help them determine who decides Peterson's fate. Another 200 were expected in court Wednesday to repeat the process. HOME INDEX LACI SCOTT AMBER TRIAL NEWS ALIBI-WITNESS LIST MAGAZINES EVIDENCE-NEWS |