People v. Bowman

This was an aggravated criminal sexual assault trial. Three of the prospective jurors said that sexual assaults have touched their lives, either as victims or as having relatives or close friends who were victims. One of the prospective jurors sat on the case. Whether these jurors should have been excused for cause is a central issue in this appeal. We conclude there was no reversible error.

FACTS

While the issues on appeal relate only to jury selection and sentencing, the factual setting of this case sheds light on the trial court’s decisions.

The victim S.A. was unable to testify at trial. She…