Jury still deliberating...
I haven't blogged much about the Narragansett trial, in part I think because I've met some of the parties involved and feel that might bias me one way or another. Granted, just being an NDN probably amounts to some level of bias. However, while I'd prefer that the jury immediately acquit the five tribal members on misdemeanor charges, it's good to see that they're taking their deliberations very seriously, and have finished their third day. I wonder how much longer the judge allows this to continue until a hung-jury is called. This morning, she gave further instructions on "self-defense", hopefully a good sign for the tribal members.
Anyway, here's the latest write-up on events from the local news, running the AP line:
Jury in smoke shop case ends deliberations for dayPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A jury has concluded its third day of deliberations in the criminal trial of seven Narragansett Indians arrested during a 2003 state police raid on a tribal smoke shop.
Superior Court Judge Susan McGuirl urged jurors Thursday morning to continue trying to reach a verdict, but also acknowledged that they have appeared tired, frustrated and even upset by the deliberations. She gave the jury additional instructions on the law to encourage them to reach a verdict.
But the day ended without a decision, and deliberations were set to resume Friday morning. The jury is deciding whether to convict or acquit seven Narragansetts who were arrested during a 2003 state police raid on a tribal smoke shop.
They face misdemeanor charges ranging from disorderly conduct to assault for scuffling with troopers who raided the shop because it was not collecting state cigarette taxes.
