Only in America: The accused murderer asked to serve on his own jury

An accused murderer is asked to serve as a juror in his own trial — and more in our collection of strange revelations about the nation

The accused murderer asked to serve on his own jury
(Image credit: Tim Pannell/CORBIS)
By The Week Staff
last updated

An accused murderer received a summons to serve as a juror in his own trial. Derrick Smith, on trial for a barroom murder in Schenectady, N.Y., told the judge that he'd be glad to answer the summons and sit on the jury, arguing — unsuccessfully — that he could be fair and impartial. "I have never had this happen," said the commissioner of jurors.

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