• Floyd case: trial of former agent Chauvin.

    Prosecutor: "He killed a man"

  • Floyd process.

    The expert: died of suffocation

  • USA, the death of George Floyd: the trial of agent Derek Chauvin begins in Minnesota

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April 20, 2021 The Floyd trial has reached its final stage. "The evidence is overwhelming," said the president, Joe Biden, of the story that is holding the US in suspense. 



Biden, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting, then said he "prayed that the verdict is a fair verdict". The president then explained how the Floyd family asks for "peace and quiet, whatever the verdict".  



The verdict is expected shortly. Since Monday, the jurors have been in chambers to decide against Derek Chauvin, 44, the former police officer from Minneapolis, Minnesota, accused of causing the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, on the evening of the 25th. May 2020.



For 9 minutes and 29 seconds, Chauvin kept his knee pressed to the victim's neck, kept lying face down. Floyd repeatedly said he couldn't breathe, but the policeman didn't let go. Strong images taken with a mobile phone that shocked the world for their rawness.



The trial takes place in Minneapolis. The judge, Peter Cahill, gave each of the twelve members of the popular jury written instructions on how the procedure works. While the jurors are assembled, no one can enter their room, neither the judge nor the lawyers. The jury members are isolated from the rest of the world, even from their families. They are escorted to the hotel in the evening and taken back to the court the next day. After meeting, the twelve elected a person with the task of carrying out the deliberations and reporting the verdict.



The work is structured on the analysis of documents, videos, photos, but the jurors do not have the written transcript of the testimony of the witnesses called to the trial. The principle is that everyone must form their own judgment based on the memory of what they have witnessed. However, it is possible to interact with the judge through questions and requests for clarification. In Chauvin's case, jurors can ask the judge for a detailed technical definition of "depraved mind", a term included in one of the counts, to indicate conduct "without morals" and "indifferent to human life". 



Chauvin faces three counts: second degree murder, third degree murder and manslaughter. With second degree murder, the defendant is accused of causing the death of a person without intending to, but assuming the risk. The sentence ranges from 10 to 15 years in prison, but in some cases it can be up to 40 years. Third degree murder refers to "indifference to human life". 



The sentence varies from 10 to 15 years in prison, with a maximum of 25. With intentional homicide, the principle of "negligent negligence" applies, the lighter than the first two. The penalty ranges from three and a half years to four years and nine months. Each offense is judged individually, so Chauvin can be acquitted or convicted for just one, two or all three offenses. In the case of a conviction for all three, the penalties add up. The judge will decide at a later time. The former agent can be sentenced to a maximum of 40 years, but if the aggravating circumstances are recognized, in theory it can reach 70.



The verdict is reached by vote on a show of hands. If they reach unanimity for each charge, the sitting is closed. The court returns to the court and the verdict is announced. But if even one person disagrees, there can be no verdict of condemnation or acquittal. If no agreement is found, after a series of votes the jury can decide to close the procedure. In that case, the so-called 'hung jury' is triggered: a "non-verdict" of unanimity. The trial is to be redone and a new jury will be selected.