State v. Witherspoon

The dispositive question presented in this case is whether a juror who admits being "a little bit prejudiced” because he reads in the newspapers and sees on television "a lot of black people who are dealing drugs” should have been stricken for cause. We conclude that he should have been and reverse the conviction.

FACTS

Spokane Police Officer Terry Preuninger recognized the defendant, Johnnie W. Witherspoon, Jr., on sight because of previous encounters. Mr. Witherspoon is African American. On January 27, 1994, Officer Preuninger saw Mr. Witherspoon standing on the corner of First and Madison…