George Floyd trial: Probable jury called to lose weight in protest of Black Lives Matter

The 16-page questionnaire, filed Tuesday in Minnesota District Court, answers potential judges how often they will see a video of Floyd’s death, his previous interactions with police, and his views on defamation of police and racial discrimination.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on May 25 after an encounter with Minneapolis police in which former officer Derek Chauvin was knocked to his neck for about eight minutes while Flood pleaded in the air. Floyd’s final moments were captured on video, and his death sparked widespread protests in the city against riots and firing, as well as police brutality and racism.

The questionnaire asks for opinions on ‘Blue Lives Matter’

In general, jury questionnaires are used to obtain information about potential jurors and to help lawyers and defense attorneys understand more about who can serve on the panel. After filling out the questionnaire, the judges may be questioned in court in more detail in a process known as Voir Direct.

“Did you or someone you know get injured or have any property been damaged during the protests that followed George Floyd’s death?” Asks a question.

“Do you think any protests in the Twin Cities area since the death of George Floyd have had a negative or positive impact on your community?” Asks another question.

The second part of the questionnaire asks people about their media habits. In the third part people ask about their previous interaction with the police, as a victim or the person is arrested. This section includes questions on “Black Lives Matter,” “Blue Lives Matter” and other contacts with the police.

One question reads, “Have you or someone close to you advocated for or against police reform? If ‘yes,’ please explain,” reads one question.

The department also asks people to respond on a sliding scale between “strongly agreeing” and “strongly disagreeing” on statements such as “the media adopts it” and “I support defaming the Minneapolis Police Department.”

The rest of the questionnaire relates to personal history, opinions towards the justice system in general, and the ability to serve at hearings.

The document indicates that the jury selection is forecast to begin March 8 and run until March 26. The hearing is then expected to begin on March 29 and will take about 3-4 weeks, the document estimates. According to the questionnaire, the jury will be separated overnight during the deliberations and at the hotel “possibly for part of the trial”.