Criminal
Jun. 3, 2026
A fair trial cannot survive racial prejudice in the jury room
The Sixth Amendment may require a new trial where a racially biased juror participates in deliberations, because removing the juror after the fact does not cure the taint once the fairness of the jury process has already been compromised.
Orly Ahrony
Managing Partner
Ahrony Appeals Law Group, LLP
401 Wilshire Blvd., 12th Floor
Santa Monica , CA 90401
Phone: (310) 743-7830
Email: orly@ahronyappeals.com
The 9th Circuit's ruling in United States v. Sanchez, Slip Op. 23-2533 (9th Cir. May 12, 2026) clarifies that overt racial animus during deliberations triggers a heavy presumption of prejudice--and that courts cannot necessarily remedy the constitutional harm simply by removing the offending juror and continuing deliberations.
Background
Andres Sanchez, a man of Mexican descent employed at a tax preparation business se...
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