How much will views on Israel influence high-profile Bay Area felony vandalism trial?

"Jury selection in a Stanford felony vandalism case grew tense Monday as prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred over whether prospective jurors could be questioned about their views on Israel and Palestine in front of the full panel, highlighting how divisive views on the war in Gaza have complicated a routine judicial process. The case centers on five of the 13 students initially arrested and accused of damaging Stanford's executive offices during a June 2024 protest urging the university to divest from Israel-linked companies."

"Unlike other arrests at pro-Palestine demonstrations, these defendants face potential felony convictions of up to three years in jail, making it one of the most serious cases against pro-Palestine activists in the country. The five defendants who still face charges are German Gonzalez, Maya Burke, Taylor McCann, Hunter Taylor Black, and Amy Zhai."

"Judge Hanley Chew sided with the prosecution, allowing limited individual questioning of potential jurors outside the full panel, focusing solely on their views about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Chew said the measure was justified because discussion of the politically charged issue could taint the rest of the jury, though he emphasized he did not believe the defense sought to indoctrinate them. According to a filing by District Attorney Jeff Rosen, pre-trial questionnaires showed that 26 potential jurors expressed that they could not be fair and impartial."

Prosecutors and defense attorneys disputed whether prospective jurors could be asked about Israel and Palestine in front of the full panel during jury selection. Five of 13 students remain charged with felony vandalism for damaging Stanford executive offices during a June 2024 protest calling for divestment from Israel-linked companies; others accepted plea deals or diversion. The defendants face up to three years in jail, making the case among the most serious prosecutions of pro-Palestine activists nationally. The judge allowed limited individual questioning outside the full panel after pre-trial questionnaires flagged impartiality concerns from 26 potential jurors.

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