Opinion ID: 1059329
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Juror Patton

Text: Bell objected to the seating of juror Patton because, when asked whether he had formed an opinion about the guilt or innocence of Bell, this juror initially answered, Not sure really. Kind of do and kind of don't. After this initial response, juror Patton was asked the following series of questions: MR. FISCHEL [Bell's attorney]: Mr. Patton, you seemed to indicate that you might have formed an opinion about the ultimate question about whether or not Mr. Bell is guilty of this offense from what you learned from the media; is that correct? You are uncertain? MR. PATTON: Kind of uncertain. mean, I read brief bites of it. Remember it being in the news a year ago. MR. FISCHEL: Let's assume that whatever news source [you] received reported what they got very accurately, do you think that either the City Police or the Prosecutorns Office or the Defense, through us, gave them all of the information they have about the case? MR. PATTON: I don't guess. MR. FISCHEL: Would you think that is unlikely? MR. PATTON: I don't know. MR. FISCHEL: If you heard more in this trial than was reported in the papers, could you fairly and impartially assess that information to determine whether or not Mr. Bell is guilty? MR. PATTON: I suppose. MR. FISCHEL: You do agree, I think you said, that there is a presumption of innocence? MR. PATTON: I guess. I wouldn't be here. MR. FISCHEL: That is your purpose? MR. PATTON: Right. MR. FISCHEL: And, you understand that first there has to be evidence, and then instructions and then a decision? MR. PATTON: Right. THE COURT: You have heard the Judge ask you and tell you that the fact that [Bell] has been arrested and indicted, that is not evidence? MR. PATTON: Right. MR. FISCHEL: That is no more powerful than the newspaper articles? MR. PATTON: Right. MR. FISCHEL: That is the reason we are all here. MR. PATTON: Right.    MR. FISCHEL: The point is: A few moments ago you gave us a maybe, maybe not answer? But, in analyzing the questions that I just asked you: Can you now tell us more clearly whether you really have formed an opinion about Mr. Bell's guilt or innocence? [MR.] PATTON: To be honest with you, about a year ago is when I gave that any thought. Other than that, I really haven't thought about it. The only way I knew about the case was from the paper. I had an opinion about it, but I don't know all of the circumstances. I can't remember all of the circumstances. To be honest with you, I think I can listen to both sides before I get an opinion. If that is what you are trying to get. Upon considering juror Patton's voir dire as a whole and not just isolated statements, see Green, 262 Va. at 116, 546 S.E.2d at 451, we conclude that he could sit as a fair and impartial juror. Thus, the circuit court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to strike this juror for cause.