Technically true, but factually complicated. “Pick” really means “neither side has a valid objection, and the judge decides what’s valid or not.” Unfortunately, “has too much sympathy” will almost certainly always be held as a valid objection, but “doesn’t have enough sympathy” will almost certainly never be held as a valid objection.
And that’s even before you consider the judge’s conflicts of interest.
So it might be a tough time for prosecutors, but it’s still going to be a much tougher time for the defense.
BOTH sides select the jury.
Technically true, but factually complicated. “Pick” really means “neither side has a valid objection, and the judge decides what’s valid or not.” Unfortunately, “has too much sympathy” will almost certainly always be held as a valid objection, but “doesn’t have enough sympathy” will almost certainly never be held as a valid objection.
And that’s even before you consider the judge’s conflicts of interest.
So it might be a tough time for prosecutors, but it’s still going to be a much tougher time for the defense.