Educational Books, Inc. v. Commonwealth

Opinion

BENTON, J.

The appellant, Educational Books, Inc., was convicted on eight counts of knowingly possessing an obscene film with intent to rent in violation of Code § 18.2-374 and ordered to pay a fine of $80,000. The appellant contends that it was denied its constitutional right to trial by an impartial jury. We agree; therefore, we reverse the conviction and remand for a new trial.

At the outset of trial, the veniremembers were interrogated collectively by the trial judge pursuant to Rule 3A:14. No responses were given which indicated that any of the veniremembers were biased or…