I'm not sure this is the sort of tension we need again during a major U.S. election year, but, well, anyway:
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, is seeking a new trial.
In an 82-page brief filed Monday, Chauvin's attorney, William Mohrman, argued that it was impossible for his client to get a fair trial in Minneapolis amid the tense climate surrounding the proceedings and the pre-trial publicity.
He said the media coverage of the case "glorified Floyd and demonized Chauvin."
That's very much true—prior to the trial George Floyd was turned into a quasi-saint and Derek Chauvin was essentially made into an avatar of Hitler.
Plus, you had the whole if-he-goes-free-then-they'll-burn-down -Minneapolis thing hanging over everyone's head. Not exactly the most impartial of climates.
Just in case it need be elucidated any further:
"Juror No. 87 stated that she was ‘nervous' because this was a high profile case and Minneapolis ‘blew up after the incident,'" the brief said. "Juror 28 stated 'the decision the jury makes has maybe broader implications, reactions from the general public,' and ‘knowing that the people, general public, is paying attention to the decision and more pressure, I guess, to get it right.'"
None of that is 100% dispositive, but of course it doesn't have to be to get a new trial.
Everyone has a right to request a retrial. Chauvin certainly seems to have a case for one.
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