[Cboldt]

-- It seems to me that the luck of the draw (here in CA) vs knowing who is next to be seated would change the lawyers' strategy in a very fundamental way. --

Yes, it would. And I think (re)randomizing at the point of striking is superior to taking them in the already set seniority order. Makes it much more difficult for anybody to game the system.

[Aunt Polgara]

Well, at least both sides have the same ability to game the system equally. :-(

I’m really surprised that the jury ended up with 5 white women (and one ? woman). I can’t see the grievance mongers accepting any verdict from this jury that isn’t GUILTY, Guilty, Guilty! I expect there to be demonstrations before the verdict is even read, and then Eric Holder will swoop down and charge GZ with civil rights violations if GZ goes free.