I've never been to court before, but I have given a deposition. We were in a beautiful conference

room in this mansion that was converted into a law firm. I was fascinated and terrified at the same time.

I was also unbelievably grateful because the attorney sitting next to me

was on my side.

My experience was minute compared to the widely publicized and emotional trial of Richard Nicholas in 1997.

He had three attorneys sitting next to him. They were considered the best. But there were also two attorneys

sitting on the other side of the small aisle who were effective and eager to see

Richard punished.

Let's talk about the trial.

I'm Brooke, and this is episode 4 of Convicted.

A trial begins with jury selection, the process where we meet the players in the courtroom.

Essentially, it's one of the very basic elements of a fair trial.

Pay close attention though, because perhaps it was during this process that the lines of justice first started to blur.

Before jury selection, before any part of a trial,

something very important has to happen.

The judge has to schedule it.

The issue came up in the voir dire preparation and that is again is

something very usual. The state would provide its

wire ear, the defense provides its wire to ear, and you meet with the court and

the court decides which questions they ask and which it those that it would not ask.

And one of the most critical questions asked

is this case will take so for many days.

...