A painful memory sweeps over Boston in the wake of the beginning the trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the bombers who is an accused member in the tragic Boston marathon bombing on April 15, 2013. This bombing was the 2nd most destructive terrorist attack since 9/11, killing three people and injuring 260, this has left the Massachusetts residents traumatized. This is the second phase of the trial, also known as the sentencing phase, which could potentially coclude   a possible death sentence. Tsarnaev’s brother, Tamerlan, was also involved in the bombing, but died during a police confrontation after the bombings. As the trial begins, finding the most appropriate jurors is very important due to the bombing having a major impact on many.

“This jury selection process is going to be like very few others in a federal criminal case. It’s going to take a very long time. … Its importance cannot be overstated,” reports Jeremy Sternberg, a former prosecutor who is a partner at Holland & Knight in Boston.

This is the largest act of terrorism in Boston’s history and the effects spread throughout the nation. Tsarnaev is facing 30 counts of charges, of those, 17 counts carry the death penalty. The youngest victim of the bombing was 8-year-old Martin Richards along with two women in their mid-20s. As many families sit through the trial, a tragic day of their lives will be relived again, bringing up terrible memories and pain. The mayor of Boston does not see this trial as a way to bring closure to the victims’ families, but a chapter to close in their lives.

“We are one. We are strong. We are Boston. We are Boston strong,” chanted residents of Boston at a variety of public places.

With the onset of harsh weather conditions currently affecting the Northern regions of the U.S. the jurors have been delayed, causing the trial to be delayed. The trail is expected to last several months due of the length of the process. Judge George O’ Toole Jr, reports that the case is making process even with the absence of jurors. The questioning process for this case is very important due to the effect it has had on many people which would automatically cause for an opinionated decision on the juror stands. About 94 potential jurors have been questioned, including a nurse who is found it difficult to watch any coverage of the bombings.

“I would be very emotional…. My daughters would have to shut the TV off”, she comments on the reports of the bombings.

The death penalty has also raised many questions, as a result of the abolishment of the death penalty in Massachusetts three decades ago. With many attempts to reinstate the penalty, Legislation has not yet passed it. Tsarnaev has a different case now that his trial being tried in federal court not state. There has been a split decision between many jurors, one side saying yes and one side saying no. The trial has been said to resume on Thursday, in hopes of finding jurors to take the stand in the trial.

FSA Connection Question

1. According to the article, what does the word abolishment mean?
2. What is the main cause for a delay in the trial?
3. What is the main idea of this article?
4. Based on your answer to Question #3, what two sentences support your idea?
5. How has the weather caused a major setback in the trial?