UM Grace Case

The court took a short break until about 10:35 a.m., when voir dire resumed. A hodgepodge of varied potential jurors appeared before Judge Molloy. Several had backgrounds in science. One man said he works in lending with customers in Libby, Mont., and said it would be difficult for him to rule against the government’s case. “My view of Grace is clouded to a certain degree,” he said.

Another man was “born and raised” in Libby, and expressed similar concerns about maintaining objectivity. One prospective juror, a 18 or 19 year old man, drew a chorus of laughter when he responded, “No, but I’ve been in trouble with the cops,” after Molloy asked about his past legal experience. It was an MIP.

The majority of potential jurors interviewed said they do not read news or usually “skim it.” Family concerns appeared often. Several women had children to deal with, and many referenced “financial hardships” that would occur from taking time off work.

Molloy often explained the efficacy of jury trials to prospective jurors, saying the system “works because people take their obligation seriously.”

At least two individuals said they have served on past cases, which appeared to be mostly theft related. Noon recess began at about 12:30, and I’ve discovered that courtroom benches make my back sore. Voir dire will resume at 1:30 p.m., so stay tuned.

—Ryan Thompson