Podcast: The uncertainty of the Chauvin trial outcome

See all Fiat Vox episodes. Berkeley News  writer Ed Lempinen talks about why Berkeley Law professor Jonathan Simon thinks an acquittal of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, on trial for the death of George Floyd, is more likely than not. Thousands march the day before the start of jury selection for the Derek Chauvin murder trial in Hennepin County, Minnesota. (Photo by Chad Davis via Flickr) Fiat Vox episode #73: "The uncertainty of the Chauvin trial outcome." Anne Brice: This is Fiat Vox , a Berkeley News podcast. I'm Anne Brice. [Music: "Nesting” by Blue Dot Sessions ] The trial for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is on its seventh day in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Chauvin, who was recorded on video last May kneeling on the neck of George Floyd until Floyd died, has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Today, I'm joined by a colleague of mine, Ed Lempinen, a writer for Berkeley News in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at UC Berkeley. Ed recently spoke with Berkeley Law professor Jonathan Simon about the case and why Simon believes the outcome of the trial is uncertain. Ed, thanks very much for being here. Ed Lempinen, a writer for Berkeley News , interviewed Berkeley Law professor Jonathan Simon about the Derek Chauvin trial. (Photo courtesy of Ed Lempinen) Ed Lempinen: Sure, Anne. Thanks for having me. Anne Brice: Despite the power of the video and witness accounts that seem to clearly implicate Chauvin in Floyd's death, Simon told you that it's likely - at least, more likely than not - that Chauvin will be found not guilty. Can you explain why Simon thinks this is?