MONTREAL -- Language and impartiality have proven early stumbling blocks in the attempt to select a jury in the first-degree murder trial of Luka Rocco Magnotta.
Of the first 120 potential Magnotta jurors, 80 have been exempted because they speak insufficient English.
An impressive 400 potential jurors are expected to be called each day for the next four days in a jury selection process that will likely last two weeks.
More than 75 per cent of potential jurors have already asked to be exempt, many saying they didn’t feel they could be impartial.
Of the approximately 1,600 candidates interviewed, 12 will be chosen, as well as two alternate jurors.
Much of the evidence could be shocking and graphic but jurors will need to remain impartial and keep an open mind. Candidates will be rejected if they have any connection to the witnesses or legal teams.
One potential juror started crying when she looked at Magnotta in the prisoner’s box.
Magnotta sat still and expressionless during the proceedings.
Magnotta’s lawyer Luc Leclair said he is looking to find jurors who are intelligent and open-minded.
“They have to listen to the evidence that's presented and not have some preconceived idea of what they think the case is about,” he said.
That could prove to be a challenge, said Eric Sutton, a criminal defence lawyer, who said the case is one of the most publicized he’s ever encountered.
“The public seems to have convicted Mr. Magnotta but they haven't had the benefit of seeing all the evidence and what defence he may have,” he said.
Leclair would not give insight into his legal strategy, but did offer a glimpse into Magnotta’s state of mind at the moment.
“He's probably a little shocked because of what's going on,” he said.
Magnotta faces five charges in connection with the May 2012 slaying and dismemberment of Lin Jun, a 33-year-old Chinese engineering student.
It is believed that choosing the bilingual jurors who will hear the evidence will last as long as two weeks. The accused is expected to be present for the selection process.
The 32-year-old Magnotta is represented by Toronto-based criminal attorney Luc Leclair, while the Crown's case will be presented by Louis Bouthillier.
Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer will preside over the trial, which is expected to last between six and eight weeks. As it stands, evidence is unlikely to be heard before Sept. 22.
Magnotta has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and the four others: committing an indignity to a body; publishing obscene material; criminally harassing Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other members of Parliament; and mailing obscene and indecent material.
-With a file from The Canadian Press
