Jurors yet to seek clarification as the jury deliberates a lengthy 16-page verdict form.
Jurors in Harvey Weinstein’s Los Angeles trial have been deliberating for five days without requesting clarification or sending notes, a common practice during such proceedings. The jury, composed of three women and nine men, has entered the final stages of its deliberations, although no verdict has been reached yet.
The deliberations began on December 2nd, but were briefly interrupted over the weekend before resuming the following Friday, December 9th. The jury could deliver a verdict at any moment, but as the days pass, it seems the decision is taking longer than initially anticipated.
Meghann Cuniff, a journalist covering the case for Law & Crime, compared the current trial to Weinstein’s earlier criminal case in New York, which led to his conviction in 2020. In New York, Weinstein was convicted on charges of third-degree rape and criminal sexual act, facing a total of five charges. In contrast, the Los Angeles case involves seven counts of sexual misconduct, linked to allegations from four women dating back to 2005–2013.
One significant difference between the trials is the length of the verdict form. In New York, the form was just one page long. However, in Los Angeles, the form spans 16 pages and includes more detailed questions that could prolong deliberations. Specifically, for the fifth charge, jurors must consider whether Weinstein is guilty of sexual battery for restraint, with an additional option to evaluate a lesser charge of sexual battery. Each of these offences allows for a guilty or not guilty verdict.
On Friday, Cuniff reported an unusual development when an alternate juror requested to be dismissed due to pending travel plans. However, the request was denied. Alternate jurors observe the trial proceedings but do not participate in deliberations unless required to step in.
As the jury continues to assess the case, the intricacies of the charges and verdict form seem to be contributing to a prolonged deliberation process.
