Tried together, but separately
Posted on
November 11, 2008 by
Gideon
Someone needs to explain to me how this works. Three co-defendants in a cop-killing trial in NYC are tried together, but each has their own jury. Short, thin and fat are being tried in front of green, blue and yellow. And this is considered efficient?
I realize how bizarre it must seem, but oddly enough it works fairly well. It usually comes about because of Bruton problems, so when the problem statement is about to come out, the march the other two juries out of the room and the witness testifies. Then they march them back in.
The alternative is three separate trials, which is obviously a greater use of resources, though it puts the witness through cross each time as well with the next guy enjoying whatever changes happen from trial to trial.