Dem
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GOP
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We noted, earlier this week, that former foreperson Emily Kohrs, who led the grand jury looking into election shenanigans in Georgia, has been making the media rounds this week. And in that item, we wrote: "We would think that someone like that should not be talking to the media, and certainly should not be sharing details about the grand jury's findings." Turns out, we're not the only ones who felt that way.
The general consensus is that Kohrs did not break any laws with her various press appearances, but that it was unseemly for her to dish on the grand jury deliberations before charges have been filed. Anderson Cooper and his guest, lawyer Elie Honig, were particularly aghast. "First of all why this person is talking on TV, I do not understand. Because, she's clearly enjoying herself, but I mean, is this responsible?" wondered Cooper. "This is a horrible idea," agreed Honig.
Of course, the important question is whether or not this could interfere with a future prosecution of Donald Trump or any other person who is indicted. There, the lawyers are somewhat divided. Honig, for example, thinks it could. So do some other lawyer-commentators. On the other hand, lawyers Norm Eisen and Fred Wertheimer write: "It certainly would have been better for decorum if Kohrs had refrained from speaking to the media, and she may even trigger motions challenging potential indictments. But that won't change anything legally."
We—though again, we're not lawyers—are inclined to think that Eisen and Wertheimer have the right of this. If a grand juror's loose lips were enough to torpedo a criminal case, that would open a rather giant (and easily exploited) loophole in the whole system. That said, even Eisen and Wertheimer concede that as Trump and/or other defendants cast about desperately for a lifeline, they are surely going to seize upon this. Even if it doesn't get them anywhere, legally, it does waste the time and resources of DA Fani Willis and her staff. So, we're back to where we started: Kohrs really should have kept her lips zipped. (Z)