News outlets want Cosby jurors ID’D

NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The judge who presided over Bill Cosby’s sexual assault trial will decide Wednesday whether to identify jurors who deadlocked in the case after a week of deliberations.

Judge Steven O’neill fears there would be a chilling effect on jurors needed for Cosby’s retrial if the first jury discusses the deliberations with the media.

Lawyers for several media outlets argued at a hearing Tuesday that jurors’ names should almost always be public to ensure transparency in the judicial process.

Lawyer Eli Segal, arguing on behalf of the Philadelphia Media Network and other outlets, said jurors should be free to discuss their backgrounds, the sequestration process and their individual views, even if — under O’neill’s order in the case — they do not disclose the jury split or other jurors’ comments.

”This is a critical part of the justice system,” Segal argued. “We are entitled to them.”

O’neill, who has already had the case for nearly two years, sounded skeptical. He plans to retry the case within four months.

Cosby, who turns 80 next month, is accused of drugging and molesting a woman at his home in 2004.

“When we were selecting a jury, we were very adamant about their privacy,” the judge said at the hourlong hearing. “Just because they have signed up to do their civic duty in this case should not necessarily impose a lot of media upon them.”

Both prosecutors and defense lawyers opposed the media’s request.

Also Tuesday, the woman whose police complaint led to the trial thanked supporters.

“Thank you for the outpouring of love & kindness & support. I am eternally grateful for the messages I have received in recent days,” Andrea Constand said in a tweet .