Joe.My.God. LGBT News
The New York Times reports:
A Delaware judge on Monday said that he had delayed by a day the start of a highly anticipated defamation trial over the spread of misinformation in the 2020 presidential election.
The postponement of the trial was the latest twist in the case. Late Sunday, Judge Eric M. Davis said the proceedings would continue on Tuesday. He did not give a reason then or in his brief remarks from the bench just after 9 a.m. on Monday.
“This does not seem unusual to me,” Judge Davis said, explaining that he had rarely been part of a trial that did not have some kind of delay. “I am continuing the matter until tomorrow.”
Read the full article.
According to the Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal, late yesterday Fox News made a settlement offer. It’s possible that offer went nowhere but the judge so far isn’t providing any clues.
Judge Davis said he told prospective jurors to go back home and instructed them “not to research” the case
Back to complete jury selection tomorrow at 9am
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 17, 2023
Judge called the two attorneys aside for a brief, inaudible sidebar.
Only one Delaware-based attorney for each side appeared in courtroom this morning. The rest of the legal teams were absent from courthouse
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 17, 2023
This is quite a distinctive courtroom. 7th floor of courthouse in downtown Wilmington
There are 24 brown leather chairs in jury box. (Yes… they will seat a group of alternate jurors)
There are 3 rows with 3 seats each for attorneys for the plaintiffs. And same for defense
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 17, 2023
The court system has issued at least 70 media passes for coverage of the first week of trial. There’s an overflow room in which an audio feed of proceedings will be projected.
Electronic devices are permitted in overflow space.
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 17, 2023
Judge Davis was emphatic at beginning of this brief (5 minute) proceeding. He looked at the sea of media members and said “this is not a news conference”.. then gave no explanation for his one- day delay
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 17, 2023
Plaintiffs will sit to the judge’s right. Closer to jury. About 8-10 feet away
Defense for FOX News will sit to judge’s left. 20-25 feet away from jury.
Audience with approx 200 seats on wood benches is behind the parties. One tiny clock on wall behind the jurors
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) April 17, 2023