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."

"Most of the others accepted plea deals or were granted court diversion programs. 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."

"The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office argued that discussing jurors' views on Israel and Palestine publicly could "poison" the jury pool. Defense attorney Leah Gillis countered that sequestering jurors would chill candid discussion and signal that open conversations about bias are not tolerated, undermining the goal of an impartial jury. 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."

Jury selection in a Stanford felony vandalism case became contentious as prosecutors and defense attorneys disagreed over whether prospective jurors could be questioned publicly about their views on Israel and Palestine. The case involves five of 13 students arrested for allegedly damaging Stanford's executive offices during a June 2024 protest urging divestment from Israel-linked companies; most others accepted plea deals or diversion programs. The five face potential felony convictions of up to three years in jail. Prosecutors argued public questioning could poison the jury pool; the defense said private questioning would chill candid answers. Judge Hanley Chew allowed limited individual questioning outside the full panel focused on Israel-Palestine views. Pretrial questionnaires showed 26 potential jurors said they could not be fair and impartial.

Read at The Mercury News