Judge O'Toole instructed prospective jurors on the presumption of innocence, conditional capital sentencing duties, questionnaires, and restrictions on case discussions, media coverage, and research.
Full day summary
Judge O'Toole gave morning and afternoon orientations to prospective jurors, explaining the presumption of innocence and the government's burden of proof. If Tsarnaev were convicted of a death-eligible crime, the jury would decide between death and life imprisonment without release.
Prospective jurors received instructions to complete questionnaires independently and truthfully. Completed forms would remain outside the public record pending review for sensitive information. The judge outlined hardship review and an expected three-to-four-month trial beginning around January 26. He explained that prior publicity did not automatically disqualify a juror, but decisions had to rest on courtroom evidence. Prospective jurors were ordered not to discuss the case, follow related media coverage, or conduct research until excused or the trial concluded.