Jurors often deliver verdicts on Friday afternoons, and that's what I was expecting for the trial of Monsignor William Lynn in Philadelphia. But, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, don't expect a verdict soon:
Jurors at the landmark clergy-sex abuse trial of two Archdiocese of Philadelphia priests signaled Thursday they may be far from a verdict: The panel asked to take Friday off and to arrive late next Monday and Wednesday if they are still deliberating.
The jurors cited personal and family commitments. Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina granted the request, according to her staff.
No one can say that this jury, which began deliberating last Friday, is rushing to judgment in the trial of the first U.S. church official charged with a crime for his supervision of priests who sexually abused minors.The panel has asked a lot of good questions, especially about the law regarding conspiracy. I wouldn't read too much into jurors' questions, but it is certainly clear that the members of this panel are taking great care.
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