Calif. Trial Court Judge Will Conduct Juror Hearing in Presence of Asbestos Counsel

SAN FRANCISCO –– A California trial court judge has opted not to file an opposition to an appellate brief contesting the judge’s decision to question two empaneled jurors without counsel present, saying that it would conduct the asbestos-related hearing in the presence of the parties.

The Aug. 15 decision from Judge Newton J. Lam of the San Francisco Superior Court comes after defendants involved in the upcoming asbestos trial sought appellate review of the judge’s intention to question jurors about alleged biases toward the defendants.

On Aug. 6, the California First Appellate District Court of Appeal granted the defendant’s petition …