In the upcoming criminal trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, lawyers plan to ask potential jurors about their views on cryptocurrency, effective altruism, and attention-deficit disorder.
On September 11, lawyers representing Sam Bankman-Fried and the U.S. government submitted a list of proposed questions for prospective jurors in Bankman-Fried’s upcoming criminal trial, scheduled to commence on Oct. 3.
Bankman-Fried’s legal team aims to determine whether potential jurors have invested in cryptocurrency and whether such experiences have influenced their opinions on the industry.
Another proposed question from Bankman-Fried’s legal team centers on “effective altruism,” a philosophical movement associated with the former FTX CEO.
Bankman-Fried’s proposed questions also cover political donations, lobbying, and personal or professional experiences with individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In criminal trials, it is customary for both the defense and prosecution to inquire about potential jurors’ prior knowledge of the case and any opinions they may hold. Bankman-Fried’s lawyers intend to pose these questions to potential jurors, including whether they have expressed views about Bankman-Fried, FTX, or Alameda Research.
Meanwhile, U.S. prosecutors seek to inquire about an individual’s familiarity with FTX and its affiliates, as well as their experiences or connections to the crypto industry. The prosecution is also interested in understanding a potential juror’s views on government crypto industry regulation.
Prosecutors also plan to ask potential jurors whether they have experienced financial losses due to investment fraud.
However, on September 12th, U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan denied Sam Bankman-Fried’s request for temporary release from prison before his trial, which will begin on October 3rd. The judge ruled that Bankman-Fried’s claim of a lack of internet connection and imprisonment did not constitute sufficient grounds for his release.
In November 2022, Sam Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to all seven charges related to fraud and money laundering stemming from his role in the collapse of FTX. He faces a separate trial in March next year.
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