Lawyers want to cross 'hard line in the sand' by asking jurors if they think Trump guilty
Defense attorneys, prosecutors and the judge in the trial of Donald Trump co-defendants Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro went head-to-head Monday in an effort to figure out what potential jurors in the case can be asked, the Associated Press reported.
Powell and Chesebro, along with former President Donald Trump, are accused of conspiring to overturn the result of the 2020 election.
"Lawyers for Powell and Chesebro met with prosecutors and the judge overseeing the case to hash out what will be asked on a lengthy questionnaire when the first group of 450 prospective jurors arrives at the courthouse on Friday," the AP's report stated.
POLL: Should Trump be allowed to hold office again?
"Whether that should include questions about their opinions about potential witnesses, the other defendants and issues that go to the heart of the case dominated that discussion."
Among the questions that the judge and lawyers debated were if jurors could be asked if they believe Trump and his associates are guilty – questions that would not be asked at a normal trial.
"Defense attorneys also wanted to include a string of questions about whether potential jurors believe Trump and his associates tried to steal the election and what they think about people who spread misinformation or tried to help overturn the election<" the AP wrote.
READ MORE: Trump vows to appeal Judge Chutkan's gag order: 'Witch hunt!'
"Bernick argued those questions were basically meant to test defense theory and see what jurors are receptive to before putting on their case. Chesebro attorney Scott Grubman said he could see why such questions might be barred in a normal case, but he argued that this case is unprecedented and “has no parallels in American or Georgia jurisprudence.”
"McAfee seemed unconvinced, saying the questions seemed to cross a “hard line in the sand” against asking prospective jurors whether they think someone is guilty or not."