Multiple news organizations on Tuesday moved to keep jury selection in the Aurora movie theater shooting trial open to the public, as the judge in the case ruled that prospective jurors can be questioned individually about their views on mental health and the insanity defense.
Both prosecutors and defense attorneys have said members of the public, survivors of the attack and members of the media . They say the attention could cause potential jurors to hide their views or change their answers during a process that is crucial in picking an unbiased jury.
On Tuesday, 19 news organizations, including The Denver Post, to keep jury selection open. The organizations argue that the public has a First Amendment right to view the proceedings.
Meanwhile Tuesday, Arapahoe County District Court Judge Carlos Samour, who is overseeing the case, to question prospective jurors about their views on the insanity defense individually — and not in front of other juror candidates. Because James Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges he murdered 12 people and tried to kill many more, Samour wrote that questions about insanity must be given priority when questioning potential jurors.
Samour is expected to summon in the case — . Many will be dismissed after filling out a questionnaire, and, for those called back, attorneys will have 20 minutes for individual questioning.
Jury selection in the case is scheduled to start in October.
John Ingold: 303-954-1068, jingold@denverpost.com or twitter.com/john_ingold
