Closing arguments Monday in Chauvin trial
MINNEAPOLIS – The prosecution and defense have rested their respective cases in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, accused in the death of George Floyd, so what’s next?
Judge Peter Cahill told the 14 members of the jury that they should return to court at 9 a.m. Central on Monday and be prepared to hear closing arguments from attorneys on both sides. Following that, Cahill will instruct jurors on the laws in the case before the panel members start verdict deliberations. Two members of the jury will be informed that they were alternates and will not be part of deliberations.
The jury will be sequestered during its deliberations.
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death last Memorial Day. If convicted of the most serious charge, he could face 101⁄ to 15 years in prison under sentenc
2 ing guidelines for first-time offenders. But he could receive a lesser term.
A prosecutor and a defense attorney will summarize the respective evidence and witness testimony Monday. During these closing statements, they will try to focus jurors on the most important elements, and what they argue those elements proved.
After the attorneys finish, Cahill will instruct jurors on the laws they must follow during their deliberations. This means he will explain each charge against Chauvin, and the legal elements that underlie those charges.
Jurors must decide whether the government proved all of the elements of a given charge beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense bears no burden of proof, and Chauvin is deemed innocent unless convicted at trial.
Jurors typically retire to a secure courthouse room where a court marshal keeps watch outside. Although they have been together in court since the trial began in March, this is the first time they are supposed to talk together about the case, and discuss all the witness testimony and evidence.
They are allowed to review any of the exhibits that were entered into evidence. They also are allowed to rehear specific testimony from any of the witnesses. The jurors may send written messages out to the judge with any questions that arise.
During deliberations, the court will provide meals for the jurors and put them up for the night in a hotel, where security will be provided by marshals. The jurors are not allowed to discuss the case with anyone else, or even with each other when they’re outside the deliberation room.
The jury verdict has to be unanimous, if guilty. If jurors feel they are unable to reach a verdict on any given charge, they will report this to Cahill.