a view from the inside: observations from our own court observers #3

[sdmike1974]

I feel that having the jurors have the opportunity to ask... and have answered... questions for the defendant... is an enlightening experience for the jurors and the Prosecuting Attorney...

However... Do you think there could be a down-side to this practice, as well, as the answers to personally written questions could create a subconscious "connection" between the jurors and the defendant?...

Thus... possibly making it more difficult to decide on the Death Penalty?
TIA

I understand your concern. But it may be just the opposite in that the jury questions are more favorable to the prosecution.

I read the following which may shed some light on why so many states do not allow juror questions, even though most of us (perhaps all of us) are highly in favor of them.

Defense attorneys say jurors will inevitably put more weight than they should on their own questions and make it more likely jurors will rush to judgment without taking into account all the evidence admitted at trial.

If that's really true, then I say, "Too bad."

 

[A_News_Junkie]

For Katiecoolady! My thank you for everything and notice what Beth is wearing too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU BETH - and THANK YOU JURY for asking: "Why should we believe you now!" - YouTube

 

[missnoire]

Thank you for taking the time and energy to post notes and answer questions on these threads after your emotionally exhausting days of attending the State vs. JA Trial!

A poster on the last thread had a question/comment that I had been wondering about, too... (I am sorry I don't recall the poster's name at the moment.)

I feel that having the jurors have the opportunity to ask... and have answered... questions for the defendant... is an enlightening experience for the jurors and the Prosecuting Attorney...

However... Do you think there could there be a down-side to this practice, as well, as the answers to personally written questions could create a subconscious "connection" between the jurors and the defendant?...

Thus... possibly making it more difficult to decide on the Death Penalty?

TIA

You know, I worried about that too, but then today (I work as a waitress) when the trial was playing on one of the TVs, a table of guys mentioned she looks so pleased with herself. In fact, one said she reminded him of Jennifer Lawerence when she was answering questions after she won her Oscar and was chatting with reporters. Without knowing any details of the case or the manner of Travis's death, he said if he were on the jury he'd be for the DP based purely on the fact she seemed to be loving the spot light.

I think the jury has seen her true face. She hasn't once said she was sorry. Even if it was in self defense, which I don't believe for a second, some little part of a normal person would be sorry or blame themselves. The fact she thinks she's above it all and smiling, continually dragging Travis through the mud is going to be a huge turn off for the jury.

 

[sdmike1974]

TRIAL SCHEDULE UPDATE

Due to the “personal commitments” of a few jurors, there will be no trial next Monday or Tuesday… the trial will therefore resume again next Wednesday - March 13th… in effect making it a 2-day week.

 

[pinkie60]

Katie, this is my first time to post since last night. I read all your observations and love you for doing this for all of us. I wish we could all be there in unison for the family. When I awoke this morning I realized that for all the answers JA gave, for all the animation she has, for the smart a...comebacks to Juan she had, never once has she ever shown remorse. NEVER. It just isn't human to me. If I had to look in the face of those jurors, or my family, or Travis' family, I would beg for forgiveness and accept whatever punishment was handed to me. Truly demonic.

agreed! at one time today she referred to travis having passed away! just want to comment on when she said she shakes at different times when questioned by mr. martinez and of course she said yes. she never appeared to be shaking as far as i could see unless she shakes internally with rage

 

[My3Sons]

I think he might start his closing and / or end with that clip. He used the "No jury will ever convict me. Mark my words..." one at the beginning and end of his cross.

I wish we knew what day closing arguments and verdict reading would happen! I really want to go down there again, but have to schedule time off of work to do it. With my luck, I'd guess and end up there for Nurmi's rambling close. :banghead:

I think we're getting close though! I can't imagine the experts will be on the stand for too long. We should be getting to rebuttal soon! lease:

I'll be in AZ 3/21-28 and am planning to go to court 3/25. You should go that day too! Would love to meet you, PASA, KCL, and all our other wonderful court watchers. Maybe even Anita will come back!

I have thought about that it may be closings...don't know if I could handle Nurmi's close! But, I'll probably only have one chance to see this trial in person, so I'll take whatever I can get!:rocker:

 

[My3Sons]

BOMBSHELL TONITE!

I about fell out of my seat when Nurmi solicited the answer from JA that included her saying the Travis had told her he was getting signs from God that Mimi Hall was supposed to be his wife. There, IMO, is the motive! Not just that he was taking Mimi to Cancun, but that he was going to finally, truly move on...
My question is, did that seem to be a big moment in the courtroom? Was it just me?

Thank you, as always, for your observations!

Oh, and PASA, if you got in, please feel free to answer as well. Thank you both!

:yourock:

 

[coup de grace]

I find it interesting that just yesterday, some were worried about the jury per some of their line of questioning. My how the tables have turned, especially with the media commentary! Even Vinnie is admitting his boredom with Nurmi.

Anyone get to talk to Shanna Hogan in the courtroom - who is writing a book?

 

[Venom]

Who is the lady sitting beside KDDOJ?

 

[Tricia]

Dear Websleuths Members,

Our Moderators are working non stop. Much of what they are removing are things you really should know not to post.

Let me go through a few of them for you.

*NO PERSONAL INSULTS DIRECTED AT ANYONE EITHER INVOLVED IN THE CASE, IN THE MEDIA, OR ON THE FORUM. THIS INCLUDES SNIDE REMARKS ABOUT LOOKS.

*NO SARCASTIC REMARKS DIRECTED AT OTHER POSTERS. THIS INCLUDES PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE POSTINGS

*NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT SOMEONE'S RELIGION.

You get the idea. Stick to the facts and to your theories and there should be no problem.

Thank you for your participation.

Sincerely,
Tricia Griffith
Co-owner Websleuths.com

 

[PASA]

Just got out. hangin with KCL. what a day!
We will be back later with report c

 

[DAWN TREADER]

Katie and Pasa - can you please tell Dr. Drew's juror Katie Wick or his producer about the mitigation specialist seen rubbing her nose while talking to Jodi Arias in court just after the judge announced the afternoon break? It was caught on video. It was so weird I couldn't help but notice the mitigation specialist rubbing her nose again while Jodi was on the stand answering questions aout the gas cans from Juan Martinez. Need to find a copy of todays testimony to compare the two events - it's truly bizarre IMO.

 

[bobkat]

sure wish I was at happy hour with the ladies from court today so I could get their observations NOW, can hardly wait to hear about the deer in the headlights look on JA's face when Juan pulled out the bank statements and spoke of no record of return to Walmart...her goose was cooked and she knew it

 

[neenee15]

Pass & Katie look foreword to your observations today and thank you for representing how I feel about this case in the courtroom and the support for the family! Thank you so much!

Wow what a day, best yet I didn't think JM could be any better but he was!!!

It seemed when JM got up & took control of the courtroom the whole atmosphere changed swoon) how were the jurors reacting when he put receipts up for the gas purchases in salt lake city that showed 2 receipts but 3 transactions on bank statement?
I thought that was huge and not only showed her lying but went to premeditation as to the 3rd receipt not found when they searched her house, and of course having 3rd gas can.

Also was wondering if the defense looked surprised at that? Sure looked like it on tv.

Also, right before she got on stand after break she was crying over her suicide letters
(more emotion there than her talking about killing Travis) how was that received by observers in courtroom if at all?

 

[buckeyefan1]

I wish I had a dollar for all of the times I heard a defendant say they tried or wanted to commit suicide when the only person dead is their victim!

 

[strawberry]

Am so glad your both there. What a day!
Our JM just gets started and now we wait until Thursday. It seems like the jury really gets it. Please tell me I'm right. I myself dont know how much more I can take, then add KNs voice, again, I'm just feeling :banghead:
Maybe the break will do me some good. That and a case of a good red wine.

Isn't it Wednesday?

 

[meanddblj]

yes I thought they come back next Wed.

2 days of court :banghead: and 3hrs behind EST (instead of 2hrs) since they do not do DLST.

 

[Kacey4]

WooHoo! So glad I made that mistake or I would have missed a full court day. Thanks

 

[strawberry]

yes I thought they come back next Wed.

2 days of court :banghead: and 3hrs behind EST (instead of 2hrs) since they do not do DLST.

That was my other question..I remembered from Elizabeth Johnson and Tami Smith that they were 3 hours behind during DST. Criminy!

 

[Love Never Fails]

Katiecoolady,

I read both the articles you had posted in the last thread, about your sister, and you and jordy's adventure. I must say, you are one heck of a lady. Thank you so much for all you do for the victims. I think you have really made a difference in a lot of people's lives. That is really something to be proud of! I'm so sorry about your sister. There is so much injustice in our world and you brighten it up with all you do.

I just had to tell you how much you have inspired me. You are a great person. Again, Thank you for all you do, Katiecoolady.

Best,
Kendall

Hi Ky Lady,
Where are you in Kentucky? I live in southern Indiana. Pretty cool to think there is a sleuther living close to me.