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Posted: 1:28 PM- ST. GEORGE -- The judge overseeing the trial of polygamous sect leader Warren S. Jeffs described the "deep conviction" of his followers to plural marriage as an "intentional act of civil disobedience" akin to that of blacks during the civil rights era.
During an interview today with one prospective juror, 5th District Judge James L. Shumate said that while the sect knows polygamy is contrary to state laws, members have decided to engage in "civil disobedience." He compared their actions to blacks who "refused to sit in the back of the bus" or to drink only from certain water fountains, he said.
Shumate made the comment as he explained that polygamy can not be a concern to jurors seated in the case, even though it will be discussed during the trial. Jeffs leads the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
"The concern that we have is the fact that Mr. Jeffs is a leader of a group that has decided to engage in what might be termed civil disobedience . . . can't be a focus of concern to the jury," he said.
Before breaking for lunch today, attorneys had qualified another four candidates for the final jury pool. They need four more to bring the total to 28, from whom a panel will be selected.
The defense has informed prospective jurors that FLDS members understands they are breaking state law by engaging in plural marriage.
The tenet is a "core principle" of their church, defense attorney Walter Bugden has said to jurors, and has been practiced by the sect for over 100 years. They intend to continue doing it, he said.
He then asked jurors if they are troubled by that, or see the FLDS as more likely to break other laws.
One prospective juror responded that the FLDS "shouldn't do it because it's against the law, but if it's their belief . . ." She said. "Just because he's breaking one law doesn't mean he's going to break ten others."
Another juror wondered, "Where's the state been for the [past] 100 years?"