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252nd District Court begins jury selection in State v. Leonard Paul Thompson, murder case
Summary
Judge Raquel West opened jury selection in the 252nd District Court for the murder prosecution of Leonard Paul Thompson, explaining legal standards, punishment ranges and the two-phase trial process before prosecutors and defense examined the pool.
Judge Raquel West opened the jury-selection process on the murder case against Leonard Paul Thompson in the 252nd District Court, telling prospective jurors the trial will determine guilt first and, if necessary, a separate punishment phase.
The judge said the charge in cause number 23 DCCR 2145 is murder and explained the possible punishment range: "between 5 years and up to 99 years or life in prison and or a fine of up to $10,000." She told jurors that a finding of guilt must be proved "beyond a reasonable doubt" and that the defendant may elect whether the judge or jury assesses punishment; Thompson has elected a jury for punishment.
The explanation was part of an extended voir dire in which prosecutors and the defense asked…
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