The Edwards case just got weirder: Judge clears courtroom to deal with

[cali]

a juror issue.

(AP) GREENSBORO, N.C. - The judge in the John Edwards trial abruptly closed the courtroom Friday to talk to attorneys about an issue with a juror and sent the panel home after six days of deliberations with a stern warning not to talk about the case.

<snip>

The jury's behavior drew attention Thursday when the four alternates all wore canary-yellow shirts. On Friday, they all wore bright red shirts, as did two of the 12 jurors deliberating the case.

One of the alternates, a young woman, has also frequently exchanged smiles with Edwards and nodded enthusiastically during closing arguments last week as the former presidential candidate's lawyer urged them to find his client not guilty.

Kieran J. Shanahan, a former federal prosecutor who has attended nearly every day of the trial, said he has never seen such unusual behavior as the color-coordinated clothing, or a juror so openly flirtatious with a defendant.

<snip>

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57441875/edwards-juror-issue-arises-case-stops-for-weekend/

[bluestateguy]

1. I am increasingly confused about what it is that he did that was criminal

I'm sure if you cut through the weeds it could be explained, but it is lost on me.

[cali]

2. it boils down to whether the funds in question were campaign contributions

or personal gifts. I don't think the prosecutors proved the former.

[hlthe2b]

3. Yeah... which is why I sort of laugh at the thought the jurors are amusing themselves...

Edwards is an absolute cretin and creep, but this does not strike me as more than a political prosecution. I suspect a lot of those jurors may feel so as well--but apparently not all. He could still be convicted because ya just never know.

[jorno67]

4. HELTER SKELTER!

Holy crap that's weird!

[teddy51]

5. What pisses me off is Edward's being on trial while Bush, Cheney, et-al roam around free. n/t

[Gregorian]

8. Big enough crimes threaten too many people.

It would be a large group of wealthy and powerful people.

[grasswire]

6. I wonder if she's a stooge.

A plant.

Very odd.

[elleng]

7. The instructions given by the judge explain a lot.

Read more than the quoted instruction.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2012/05/jury-instructions-at-john-edwards-trial-123887.html

[Nye Bevan]

9. Next thing you know, that juror will be giving birth to Edwards' baby (nt)

[randome]

10. And then he will claim it isn't his.

But then the DNA evidence will prove it is.
But then the DNA tester will be proven to be Edwards' long lost cousin who carries a grudge.
But then the long lost cousin will have 'a regrettable accident'.
But then the prosecuting attorney will be proven to have a hand in the 'accident'.
But then...but then...

[Ian David]

11. John Edwards comes from the same planet as Captain Jack Harkness.

Eventually, John Edwards will become The Face of Boe.