NEW YORK CITY – Shortly after noon, Eastern time, Judge Neil Cohen called a short lunch recess after the jury selection process had finally concluded. Tentatively set to conclude on Friday, the process of seating a jury of New Yorkers who don’t have a pre-existing opinion regarding the National Rifle Association proved more difficult and time-consuming than anticipated.
Following the lunch break, and swearing in the jurors, Judge Joel Cohen was expected to “pull the ripcord” and commence the trial that will pit New York Attorney General Letitia James against the NRA’s well-compensated counsel, William A. Brewer, III.
However, one of the jurors was lost, disqualified or otherwise bailed on the proceedings during the lunch break. That means a further delay in getting this legal circus under way while both sides and Judge Cohen qualify one more body to sit in judgement over the next few weeks.