Jury Questionnaires In Chandra Levy Murder Trial Must Be Disclosed

In the case involving the murder of Chandra Levy, the District of Columbia Court of Appealls has reversed and remanded a trial court order denying the Washington Post access to completed jury questionnaires.

The Post’s request was made after the trial jury had been selected and the trial had begun. The government contended that the request was thus untimely.

On remand, the trial judge must start with a presumption that the completed questionnaires should be completely disclosed. If any answers touch on “deeply personal matters,” the judge may provide the jurors with an opportunity to raise concerns in camera. The court may then enter specific individualized findings on the necessity of redaction that a capable of appellate review. (Mike Frisch)