TK0JUT2%NIU.BITNET@uicvm.uic.edu (07/24/90)
The first day: Jury selection.
The trial of Craig Neidorf began in federal court in Chicago today,
Judge Nicholas Bua presiding. The first day was devoted entirely to
jury selection. The twelve jurors were selected by 4 p.m., and the
altenrates by about 4:45. The judge indicated that the trial could
take from seven to ten days. Craig's parents and grand parents
attended and, not counting the prospective jurors, about a half dozen
other non-participants. Only one mainstream media person was evident,
a television reporter from Channel 7 in Chicago. Those present
indicted that the jury represents a reasonable cross section of
Chicago's population.
In the second day of Craig Neidorf's trial in Chicago, both sides
presented their opening arguments. The prosecution wheeled in two
shopping carts containing documents, presumably to be used as
evidence. Bill Cook, the prosecutor, down-played the technical
aspects of the case and tried to frame it as a simple one of theft and
receiving/transporting stolen property. Sheldon Zenner's opening
statements were described as "absolutely brilliant," and challenged
the definitions and interpretations of the prosecution. More detail
will follow as the trial progresses.
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[Moderator's Note: My thanks to the folks at Computer Underground
Digest for sharing these reports, which will appear here on a frequent
basis for the duration of the trial. A much more detailed report,
including a look at the jurors who will decide the case is in the
current issue of CUD. To receive CUD on a regular basis in your
mailbox, write to the address shown above. PT]