This is not an isolated case but an ongoing pattern of attacks against the sanctity of the jury. Read all about it in the Black Collar Crime Logbook
Truth hurts for potential juror
Go to the Grand Rapids Press article.
Friday, September 20, 2022
Lori Blumke thought she was doing her civic duty last week when she told a judge her recent hard feelings toward police officers might taint her ability to serve as an impartial juror.
Michigan court rules allow a judge to hold a potential juror in contempt for answering falsely on questionnaires.
In this case, area judges said they respect Buter but sided with Blumke. [If those so called judges sided with Blumke, then why didn't they undo what Buter had done? Because they "respect" Buter? Last we remember, all judges in this country take an oath to serve the people of this country by upholding the United States Constitution. That oath does not allow them to "respect" their fellow judges at the expense of the people. Funny how the attitude of these judges here sounds very much like that of some recent Texas "monkey business." What these judges have made themselves into is an aristocracy and the United States Constitution expressly prohibits that an aristocracy, at any time, ever have control of any part or function of the government in this country. -- J.A.I.L. 4 judges Technical Support.]
"You can't punish someone for an answer unless you can prove it is a deliberate attempt to get out of jury duty," Rockford District Judge Steven Servaas said. "You'd need statements from others who said they heard him, saying he was going to deceive the court. Otherwise, you have to just excuse them and get them out of there as quickly as you can."
Another judge said he fears Buter's sanctions sent the wrong message to the other jurors.
"The whole purpose of questioning jurors is we are trying to find someone who is going to be fair and impartial," Kentwood District Judge William Kelly said. "I fear the message to the rest of the jurors is, 'I'd better lie or face punishment.' Then, you have people who weren't truthful about their prejudices going back to the jury room and they raise cane over their hidden issues."
Holland District Judge Susan Jonas said she has never imposed a sentence on a juror, although she did fine a juror $150 for twice failing to appear for trials. ....
Chief Kent County Circuit Judge George Buth said judges in the higher court also have struggled with what to do about jurors who have "thumbed their noses" at the process.
But, he said, "I cannot recall any juror being given community service, and I cannot ever recall a juror being sanctioned at the time of jury selection." .....