Albert Elia, a blind lawyer, was dismissed from Brooklyn grand jury service because he could not perceive video evidence. Despite his eagerness to serve, a judge ruled that he needed to use his senses to perceive evidence personally, denying him the use of assistive technology. Another prosecutor had accommodated Elia by allowing witnesses to describe video evidence earlier. The lack of accommodations highlighted systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, sparking concern about justice access for the blind.
Justice is supposed to be blind - but a Brooklyn juror was allegedly kicked out of court because he couldn't see.
I know most people want to avoid it. [It's] a serious thing and I was looking forward to it, so it was particularly upsetting to be told, no, you're not welcome.
I've had situations where I've been denied access because of a guide dog, but this is the first time I've been told, 'I'm sorry you're blind, you can't do this.'
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