Circuit Judge Debra Nelson announced during jury selection on Thursday that jurors will be sequestered for the two to four weeks is expected to take to determine if George Zimmerman acted in self-defense when he shot Trayvon Martin, according to the Associated Press.
Nelson made the announcement during the fourth day of jury selection in the case. During the first phase of jury selection attorneys are only questioning potential jurors about their exposure to media coverage of the case. Limiting the jurors' exposure to the media during the trial appears to be part of Nelson's reasoning.
"Both parties have stipulated they anticipate the trial will last between two and four weeks," Nelson said. "Based on that, I will be sequestering the jury."
Potential jurors were not pleased by the announcement. Potential juror K-80, jurors' identities are being kept anonymous, told the Associated Press that being sequestered was "my biggest fear." Juror E-81 said that she wanted to sleep in her own bed. Judging from the remarks juror E-81 made to the Associated Press she seems to have made up her mind about the case and will likely not serve on the jury.
"I believe every American has a right to defend himself," juror E-81 said. "I think the more people armed, the better."
Another potential juror was dismissed without being questioned when she revealed that being sequestered would wreak havoc on her family and school related commitments.
10 potential jurors were questioned on Wednesday, a total of 20 and have been approved to enter the next round of questioning. Once 30 jurors have been approved the second phase of jury selection will begin during which more specific questions will be asked as the attorneys attempt to whittle down the jury to six jurors and four alternates, according to Fox News.
George Zimmerman's father, Robert Zimmerman, released an electronic book through Amazon entitled "Florida v. Zimmerman: Uncovering the Malicious Prosecution of my Son, George." According to Amazon, the book "describes how and why my son, George Zimmerman, has been charged with the crime of murder." It is available for download for $3.99.
Jury selection enters its fifth day on Friday and the live steam can be seen here.