Prosecutor seeks jury vetting over prior knowledge in Queensland rape case

In the pending Queensland rape trial of 31-year-old Bruce Lehrmann, the prosecution plans to invoke Section 47 of the state’s Jury Act to examine whether prospective jurors have any prior knowledge of the defendant or the allegations. Prosecutor Caroline Marco said the move follows the suspect’s request for a jury trial and aims to address any prejudicial pre-trial publicity. Should the judge grant the request, the court can ask suggested questions and may allow both prosecution and defence to cross-examine jurors under oath, with the power to dismiss unsuitable jurors and substitute reserves.

Defence solicitor Zali Burrows was not obliged to respond to the filing, and Lehrmann has not formally entered a plea, though his former counsel indicated he intends to contest the charges. Judge Dennis Lynch adjourned the matter for two weeks to let both parties submit additional material, and Lehrmann’s bail was continued without his appearance in court.