Question

In March 1964, a reporter gave a statement that she had heard Judge Blythin state before the original trial that Sam Sheppard was ________________ and that the trial was just a formality.

Answer 1

A reporter claimed that Judge Blythin suggested Sam Sheppard was guilty before his trial, indicating a potential bias and prejudicial stance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In March 1964, a reporter gave a statement that she had heard Judge Blythin state before the original trial that Sam Sheppard was guilty and that the trial was just a formality. This comment suggested the judge had potentially made a decision about Sheppard's guilt prior to hearing the case in court, which raises serious concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process. It was viewed as highly prejudicial and indicative of a biased trial, which is against the fundamentals of the legal system where a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.