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http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpZmFlcXBpBF9TAzk1ODYxOTQ4BHNlYw
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``Some may want to blame Kobe and say it must be rape because a normal
person wouldn't do this,'' Rice said. ``Others might say `Look at her, she
asked for it.' This trial has layers upon layer of issues.''
Idgi D'Andrea, a jury consultant for Bonora D'Andrea of San Francisco, said
recent missteps in the case may force the judge to allow more questioning of
potential jurors.
Among the mistakes: Courthouse staff have twice posted the accuser's name on
a state court Web site and the judge lost a battle with the media and
released nearly 200 pages of documents from a closed hearing on the woman's
sexual activities.
``It's really hard to unring the bell, once that bell has been rung, and ask
people to forget what they've heard,'' D'Andrea said.
``Female jurors can be the worst for women,'' Rice said.
Defense attorneys want jurors who are willing to believe women have lied
about getting raped and got away with it.
``They want someone who is suspicious about the system, who think womens'
rights have gotten to the point where they can scream fire and everyone
believes it,'' Rice said.
Attorneys will also be on the lookout for jury candidates who might be
seeking their 15 minutes of fame. Consultants call these candidates
``stealth jurors,'' people who will give up weeks of their lives or be
sequestered from their families to hear a case.
Jon Stavney, the mayor in the accuser's hometown of Eagle, said Monday that
residents in the area are not fazed by celebrity status.
``We're more used to millionaires and celebrities than a lot of places,'' he
said. ``I don't think people in Eagle County have been obsessed with this
trial. ... We'll be glad when this is over.''
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