The Blagojevich juryWith selection starting today, Rod Blagojevich's fate will soon rest in the hands of 12 men and women carefully selected by lawyers for the prosecution and defense. Roll over the jurors to see what experts say is who both sides might like to see in that box.
The defense wants
The prosecution wants
Juror #1: The Underdog Lover
Laid-back and loose, this juror sides with the "little guy." He is anti-authoritarian and may have had his own brushes with the law. Juror #2: Old-Style Chicagoan
When it comes to politics, this juror thinks corruption is just par for the course. "They have a world view that says ... this is the way the world works," said trial consultant Philip K. Anthony. Juror #3: The Diverse Juror
With African-Americans and Indian-Americans historically supporting Blago, defense attorneys will likely want those groups on the . "It's pretty plain to me that Blagojevich has been trying to curry favor with the minority population," said Northwestern University law professor Ron Allen. Juror #4: The Couch Potato
"Celebrity Apprentice," "The View," "Fox News" ... Blagojevich has worked the media, and this juror has seen it all. More importantly, he's absorbed the ex-governor's message that he's innocent. Juror #5: The Little Old Lady
With his free transit rides for seniors, Blagojevich has curried favor among the senior population. But having them on the could backfire if they get offended at his potty-mouth on the recordings. Juror #6: The Good Brother
This juror has close ties to a sibling and believes that, sometimes, you have to go out on a limb for family. Blagojevich's brother, Rod, will be particularly anxious to see this person in the box. Juror #7: The Stickler
A buttoned-up law-abider, this juror stands by the letter of the law--and she's not afraid to make an example of Blagojevich. Juror #8: The Overachiever
Unlike Blagojevich, this juror might have been valedictorian of his class. "The general rule for prosecutors is to pick people who were successful in life by playing by the rules," said former federal prosecutor Dean Polales. Juror #9: The Softie
This juror is the opposite of jaded; emotional and shocked by the allegations, she feels betrayed that the politician she perhaps voted for could have broken the law. Juror #10: The Basket Case
Money trouble, family drama; something is going on at home with this juror. Experts say this emotional edge could help prosecutors: "(He's thinking), ‘I'm ready to blow a gasket here ... and here's this fat cat. I'm going to throw the book at him,'" said trial consultant Philip K. Anthony. Juror #11: The Smart Guy
With a weaving storyline and long list of characters, the prosecution needs jurors with brainpower--people who "will be able to follow complex series of evidence," said attorney Larry Beaumont. Juror #12: The Righteous Leader
Leaders can be trouble on a --unless they're on your side. Persuasive and not afraid to speak up, this juror could convince a swing voter once deliberations are under way, said Seattle-based trial consultant Matthew McCusker. |