Jury selection begins in church sex abuse trial

Lawyers and a judge on Tuesday launched what they say could be a monthlong effort to impanel a jury to decide the fate of three Archdiocese of Philadelphia priests accused of endangering or molesting children.

About 250 prospective jurors completed the first step - a questionnaire on their backgrounds, beliefs, and ability to serve.

Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina canceled an afternoon session so she could review the first batch of surveys. She did not explain her decision, but ordered prosecutors and defense attorneys to resume the process in court Wednesday.

Both sides hope to settle on 12 jurors and 10 alternates. The trial, scheduled to begin March 26, is expected to last four months and draw national attention.

The lead defen...

 

Read the story here: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20120222_Jury_selection_begins_in_church_sex_abuse_trial.html

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