Bankman-Fried Lawyer Opposes Biased Jury Questions

Sam Bankman-Fried's defense challenges biased jury questions in upcoming trial, raising concerns about fairness and presumption of innocence.
By Coingape Staff
Bankman-Fried Lawyer Opposes Biased Jury Questions

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX exchange CEO, is facing an upcoming fraud trial that has taken an intriguing turn. Meanwhile, his defense team is challenging the proposed jury questions put forward by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), alleging potential bias and prejudice. In this legal battle, the wording of these questions is under scrutiny, with Bankman-Fried’s legal team asserting that they may unfairly portray him as guilty before the trial even begins.

Advertisement
Advertisement

A Closer Look Into The Appeal

In a recent court filing, attorney Mark Cohen, representing Sam Bankman-Fried, raised significant concerns about the proposed jury questions. He argued that these questions could deter potential jurors from full disclosure, fail to uncover potential biases, and risk prejudicing the jury against the defendant.

Meanwhile, one major objection revolves around the use of language that assumes Bankman-Fried’s guilt in fraud and money laundering without the use of the word “allegedly.” According to Cohen, this improper phrasing could unfairly shape the jurors’ perception of the case, undermining the presumption of innocence.

Additionally, Bankman-Fried’s defense team believes that the questions are overly restrictive and may not reveal potential jurors’ predispositions, especially if they have personal experiences related to cryptocurrency or have lost money they attribute to wrongdoing.

Moreover, the defense team expressed concerns about certain questions instructing jurors rather than eliciting relevant information. Meanwhile, the defense also took issue with questions that focused solely on potential juror biases against a guilty verdict, without addressing the possibility of biases affecting a verdict of not guilty.

Also Read: FTX Hacker Moves 2500 ETH Before Key Ethereum Event

Advertisement
Advertisement

What’s Next?

Notably, the US Department of Justice had previously objected to some of the questions proposed by Bankman-Fried, considering them unnecessary and potentially prejudicial. However, the ongoing dispute highlights the importance of a fair and impartial jury selection process.

Meanwhile, the voir dire process, crucial for ensuring an impartial jury, is set to begin on October 3, with the trial scheduled to commence on October 4. As both sides grapple over the jury questions, the outcome could significantly impact the fairness of the upcoming trial for Sam Bankman-Fried.

This legal battle underscores the importance of language and questioning in the pursuit of justice, as it seeks to ensure a level playing field for all parties involved. Subsequently, the crypto community and legal observers are keenly watching as this high-profile case unfolds.

Also Read: BTC Price Showing Early Bullish Signs Before US Government Shutdown?

Advertisement
Coingape Staff
CoinGape comprises an experienced team of native content writers and editors working round the clock to cover news globally and present news as a fact rather than an opinion. CoinGape writers and reporters contributed to this article.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.