March 11, Port Orchard — Jury selection started yesterday in the continuing medical marijuana prosecution of Bruce Olson. Fifty jurors were called in, and 21 were excused for hardship or because they couldn’t remain impartial.
Today, all 29 jurors were called back, and 20 new potential jurors were brought in. At some point, an Oregon activist was standing near the court room with a sign that read “Stop arresting medical marijuana patients.” The prosecutor argued that this had “tainted” the jury pool, and the judge agreed. All 49 jurors were dismissed.
So what are they going to do if activists stay around the courthouse and continue to display that sign? Is there going to be a “no free speech” zone declared around the courthouse? It is unbelievable how our government expects people to render a fair verdict on someone’s marijuana charge when they’re not allowed to know they’re using marijuana with their doctor’s recommendation and their state’s blessing!
The prosecutor told the judge that this was the same image she saw on the web site of a marijuana activism group (cdc.coop), she believed the spectators in the court were connected to the group, and she wanted to know who owns the web site. (The medical marijuana stop sign image has been used for ten years by various groups; the CDC simply borrowed it.)
Because of this melee, the court is bringing in 65 new jurors tomorrow morning, and the trial has been delayed. The new schedule:
* THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 9AM: Jury selection redux.
* FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 9AM: Prosecution scheduled to begin.
* MONDAY, MARCH 16, 9AM: Prosecution scheduled to continue.
* TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 9AM: Defense scheduled to begin.
* WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 9AM: Defense scheduled to continue.Please, please, please consider bearing witness to this travesty of justice. You won’t believe the lengths to which the prosecutor threatens witnesses and members of the public. You won’t believe how much marijuana there is. You won’t believe that the Olsons are legitimate patients and had NO USABLE MARIJUANA. You won’t believe that Kitsap County is spending many thousands of dollars EVERY DAY to prosecute this case.
So please, consider taking some time from your schedule and offer it to this medical marijuana patient in the form of court room observation.
* What: Kitsap County v. Bruce Olson: Prosecution’s Case
* When: March 12-13, 16-18 at 9 a.m.
* Where: Kitsap County Courthouse, 614 Division St. in Port Orchard
* Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=614+Division+St+98366Lodging and transportation is available; email info@cdc.coop.
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NOT GUILTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shouldn’t we be able to email public officials such as Hauge regarding his overzealous and absurd behavior against the Olsons?
It almost sounds like Hauge is breaking Washington State law by going on his own personal campaign. I’m assuming he is an elected official, and if so, should honor what citizens of WA have voted into law, regardless of how he may feel about it.
Perhaps NORML could provide an emailable form or page so that many more people can protest. Driving to the location would be great, but is probably not possible for most people.
Keep up the good work! I live too far away to join you, but I definitely want to stay informed!