Bryant Jury Questioning Enters Second Day

A total of 164 potential jurors have been questioned by attorneys in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case in the first two days of jury selection and both the defense and prosecution have voiced concerns about jurors having already made up their minds about the guilt or innocence of the defendant.

Potential jurors were being questioned behind closed doors in groups of 41, with two groups questioned Monday and another two groups questioned Tuesday. Judge Terry Ruckriegle wanted the jurors to be questioned about "sensitive issues" away from the public's view.

During questioning Tuesday, prosecutors filed a motion to allow them to ask jurors where they learned information about the case. Prosecutors told the judge that a "lot of jurors have gleaned information not only from the press, but also other folks about town."

Prosecutors are concerned that a number of potential jurors have said they believe Bryant is probably not guilty or definitely not guilty. Defense attorneys also told the judge they are concerned that a number of jurors have said they think Bryant is guilty.

The closed-door questioning of the jurors is expected to continue through Wednesday then attorneys will question the remaining jurors in open court Thursday or Friday, in hopes of having a panel chosen so that the trial can begin the day after Labor Day.

Meanwhile, Judge Ruckriegle has not ruled on a prosecution claim that DNA tests performed by the defense contained contaminated evidence.

See CNN Concern About Bryant's Jury Pool's Knowledge

Background: The Kobe Bryant Case
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