MINNEAPOLIS — Jury selection is set to get under way Monday in the highly anticipated murder trial of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin for George Floyd’s death. Minnesota officials are on high security alert over the case, New York Post reported.
Here are some informative details about the trial:
When and where does the trial begin?
Jury selection begins Monday morning in Hennepin County District Court in Minnesota, with opening arguments scheduled for no earlier than March 29.
But opening statements could be delayed thanks to a Court of Appeals ruling last week that said Hennepin District Judge Peter Cahill erred by dismissing an additional third-degree murder charge against Chauvin, which may present further legal challenges — and hold-ups.
How can I watch the Derek Chauvin trial?
The trial will be streamed live by CourtTV and can be viewed through this link.
The network will provide live coverage and commentary starting with jury selection, although potential jurors will not be shown on camera.
How will the jury be selected?
Jury selection will follow atypical guidelines because of COVID-19 social-distancing restrictions and the tense and high-profile nature of the case.
Prospective jurors will be interviewed individually because of the restrictions, with eight potential panelists questioned by lawyers from both sides each day. The potential jurors will be called by number rather than name to protect their identities, the Star Tribune said.
The court will select a panel of 12 jurors and four alternates — two more alternates than normal.
Who is permitted in the courtroom?
Space will be severely limited because of social-distancing requirements.
In addition to the judge and required court personnel, Chauvin and his lawyers will be in the courtroom, as well as a team of prosecutors from the state attorney general’s office and special attorneys assigned to the case, Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported.
Only one member each of Floyd’s and Chauvin’s families will be allowed in the room at a time, and two seats are reserved for members of the media, who will rotate pool duties.
Are there special security measures in place?
The trial will take place under unprecedented security measures in the state. A massive law-enforcement presence in and outside the courthouse will include Minneapolis police, Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies, Minnesota state troopers and National Guard members.
Authorities have also ringed the courthouse with concrete barriers, security fencing and barbed wire and installed barricades outside all five of the city’s police precinct, the Post reported.
How long is the trial expected to take?
Minnesota court officials anticipate that the trial will last between two and four weeks.
