Potential Jurors Asked About Views On Abortion In Federal Trial Of Convicted Murderer Kopp

Jury selection for the federal trial of James Kopp -- who in 2003 was convicted of murdering Buffalo, N.Y., abortion provider Barnett Slepian in 1998 -- began on Thursday, the AP/Long Island Newsday reports. According to the AP/Newsday, about 100 potential jurors were questioned about their views on abortion and knowledge of Slepian's murder (Thompson, AP/Long Island Newsday, 1/4). Kopp in 2003 was convicted under state second-degree murder charges and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for Slepian's murder. In the upcoming trial, he faces charges of violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The federal charges could carry a sentence of life in prison without parole. Kopp's former attorney, John Humann, had filed a motion to suppress Kopp's confession to the murder despite Kopp's objection. Kopp subsequently made a request to represent himself, which U.S. District Judge Richard Arcara granted in May 2006. Arcara also has ruled that Kopp cannot discuss his antiabortion views or offer abortion-related photographs or testimony during the trial because they are irrelevant (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 12/11/06). Kopp, who is representing himself, and the prosecutors will use questionnaires filled out by the potential jurors to make the jury selection. Opening statements in the case are expected to begin on Tuesday, the AP/Newsday reports (AP/Long Island Newsday, 1/4).

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