Possibility of a mistrial in Michigan court

February 11, 2010

Michigan: After four days of deliberation, a jury, dealing with Sam Riddle's corruption charges, has been sent home until Tuesday, February 16, after being told by the judge, Avern Cohn, of the Eastern District Court of Michigan, to "re-examine their own beliefs." It was made known on Wednesday, February 10, that several jury members had sent notes to the judge and that Cohn had met with individual jurors during their deliberations. Outside observers have noted that usually only the foreman sends notes to the judge and that individual meetings are very rare. Experts have also suggested the possibility of a mistrial as a result of these recent developments in the trial.