COVID 19 has impacted everyone's lives and constitutional rights, a convicted criminal who has already had one trial needs to get in line so others can get their due process in court

At trial assignment for Scott Eden yesterday, more of the same arguments I have covered in previous coverage. Presiding Judge Joyce Hinrichs and Judge Christopher Wilson.

The only one delaying his trial and creating scheduling issues is Eden. Listening to the court and scheduling issues, the People are working with court operations regarding expert witness availability. Due to COVID, the People are willing to have experts testify via Zoom. The defense expert availibility is less flexible and Eden keeps insisting on experts testifying in person.

There are many trials, besides Eden, being delayed due to COVID 19 and the wildfires will only make this situation worse. As Judge Wilson pointed out, Eden has the constitutional right to confront and cross examine witnesses. Judge Wilson asked Mr. Orbelian to provide case law on objections to expert witnesses testifying via Zoom.

Eden's jury trial was rescheduled to October 13. The decision if this will actually proceed will be made at trial assignment on October 9.

Eden was previously convicted and sentenced  for spousal rape. His case was reopened and in January, the second trial was in the middle of jury selection. Nine days into the jury trial, jurors were sent home.

There was a mistrial declared.

Depending on what happens, the next hearing update will be added to this post.

Recent posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/08/presiding-judge-joyce-hinrichs.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/08/presiding-judge-joyce-hinrichs.html?m=1