Unpacking the Complex Juror Questionnaire in the Bankman-Fried Case

In preparation for the upcoming trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, both his legal team and U.S. prosecutors have submitted questions they want to pose to potential jurors. The trial is scheduled for October 3. Bankman-Fried’s lawyers aim to gauge jurors’ attitudes on topics like cryptocurrency, effective altruism, and attention-deficit disorder to determine their suitability.

Bankman-Fried is interested in whether potential jurors have ever invested in cryptocurrencies and, if so, whether they’ve lost money or have negative views on the crypto industry. He also wants to find out if jurors would blame a crypto company’s failure on its owners.

The legal team is additionally curious about jurors’ opinions on “effective altruism,” a charitable philosophy that Bankman-Fried is known for supporting. They will also ask if jurors find it objectionable to make large political donations for personal gain, as well as inquire about any interactions jurors may have had with people who take ADHD medication.

As is common practice, Bankman-Fried’s lawyers plan to ask if jurors have read about him, formed opinions on his guilt or innocence, or expressed views on him, FTX, or Alameda Research.

On the other side, U.S. prosecutors plan to ask potential jurors about their familiarity with FTX and related companies. They’re also interested in whether jurors or their close associates have invested or worked in the crypto space, and what jurors think the government’s role should be in regulating the industry. Additionally, they want to know if jurors have ever lost money in an investment due to fraud.

Judge Lewis Kaplan recently denied Bankman-Fried’s request for temporary release before the trial, stating that poor internet access in prison wasn’t a valid reason for release. Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to seven fraud-related charges tied to the downfall of FTX and faces another criminal trial on additional charges next March.

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