PITTSBURGH — Defense attorneys for accused synagogue shooter Robert Bowers cannot survey potential jurors about their religious affiliation, a federal judge ruled this week.
Bowers' attorneys had sought to conduct a one-question survey of potential jurors about their religion or lack thereof.
Defense counsel argued the survey would ensure that no religious group, in particular Catholics, was improperly excluded from the jury panel. The motion, filed in late August, expressed concerns over the potential for Catholics to be disproportionately excluded because of their stance against capital punishment.
