GREENSBORO, NC -- The judge overseeing the John Edwards trial has narrowed the pool of potential jurors, with the final selection of 12 jurors and four alternates set to occur prior to opening statements.
U.S. District Court Judge Catherine C. Eagles began with 185 people selected from central North Carolina to fill out questionnaires before reaching 42 on Thursday. This week, Eagles has brought in potential jurors to probe their thoughts on a wide range of topics, including adultery and past participation in political campaigns.
Opening statements are scheduled for Monday.
The former Democratic presidential candidate has pleaded not guilty to campaign finance violations related to nearly $1 million in secret payments from two wealthy supporters. Much of the money was used to hide the then-married politician's pregnant mistress during his 2008 campaign.