Jeffrey Epstein Sex Trafficking Case: Ghislaine Maxwell Denied Request To Keep Jury Selection Private
A federal judge on Thursday denied a request from Ghislaine Maxwell's legal team to have juror screenings kept private from public viewing to ensure an “open-minded jury."
Maxwell, an associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is facing charges in New York City that she recruited teenage girls for sexual abuse.
U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan of Manhattan will give media access to the questions given to possible jurors.
Nathan will allow for the press and the public to view the selection proceedings through video feeds and two pool reporters will be allowed in the courtroom in her questioning of prospective jurors.
The upcoming trial is expected to receive global coverage. Epstein, who died in prison in August 2019, was linked to several high-profile public figures, including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew and Alan Dershowitz, among others.
"These procedures will ensure the First Amendment rights to public access as is necessary and required by law,” Nathan said on a pretrial conference call.
Maxwell’s lawyers have said they do not want jurors to be influenced by negative publicity.
"This case amplifies the likelihood that jurors will be more apprehensive and constrained to respond openly and honestly in open court within earshot of other jurors, members of the public, and the media," Maxwell attorney Bobbi Sternheim wrote in a court filing last week.
Maxwell’s trial will begin on Nov. 29. Questioning of prospective jurors will start on Nov. 16.
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