Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial kicked off with a jury that heavily favors women, sparking speculation about how gender dynamics might influence the verdict.
Alec Baldwin's fate in his involuntary manslaughter trial now rests in the hands of a jury that is predominantly female, raising intriguing questions about how gender dynamics might play a role in their deliberations.
The jury, which includes 11 women and five men, heard opening statements and testimony from four witnesses on Wednesday. Legal experts shared with Fox News Digital their insights on how the jury's gender makeup could impact the trial's outcome.
Alec Baldwin's Female-Dominated Jury: Experts Weigh In on Potential Impact
According to Maryland-based lawyer Randolph Rice, both prosecutors and defense attorneys often tailor their strategies to the gender breakdown of a jury. In Baldwin's case, he believes the defense may emphasize his emotional distress after the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust" in 2021.
"Maybe the defense is trying to latch onto the emotional portion of this," Rice said. "That he was so consumed with grief and that he couldn't commit any crime because of his reaction at the scene."
Alec Baldwin's Female-Dominated Jury: Experts Weigh In on Potential Impact
Photos of a distraught-looking Baldwin have circulated online, allegedly capturing his emotional state after the accidental shooting.
Elizabeth Bunker, an attorney, countered that female jurors may be less receptive to the aggressive approach displayed by Baldwin's attorney, Alex Spiro, and Baldwin's abrasive persona.
Alec Baldwin's Female-Dominated Jury: Experts Weigh In on Potential Impact
"Sometimes being too aggressive on cross can backfire more with a female-heavy jury," Bunker said.
She also suggested that Baldwin's reputation as gruff could further alienate female jurors.
Alec Baldwin's Female-Dominated Jury: Experts Weigh In on Potential Impact
Emphasizing that the trial heavily revolves around Baldwin's handling of the gun, Bunker said, "a female-heavy jury might not have as much firearm knowledge."
"Men are a little more black and white, and they might say, ‘Of course, you pulled the trigger.’"
Alec Baldwin's Female-Dominated Jury: Experts Weigh In on Potential Impact
However, entertainment lawyer Tre Lovell believes gender will have a minimal impact on the verdict.
"Overall, for this case, I don’t see how gender is all that significant," he said. "What is significant is how the jurors feel about Alec Baldwin and what their feelings are in terms of guns and being able to rely on experts."
Alec Baldwin's Female-Dominated Jury: Experts Weigh In on Potential Impact
The prosecutor, Erlinda Johnson, argued that Baldwin violated firearm safety protocols by pointing a real gun on set.
Spiro countered that Baldwin relied on the armorer's assurance that the gun was safe and that it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure weapon safety on a movie set.
Alec Baldwin's Female-Dominated Jury: Experts Weigh In on Potential Impact
The trial continues on Thursday, with the jury's decision looming over both Baldwin and the legacy of the "Rust" tragedy.
