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)

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.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up
Explore More