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11 things you need to know about Bill Cosby's sex assault trial

Once a beloved comedian whose social activism made him an icon in the African-American community, Bill Cosby’s reputation has been shattered in the last several  years by dozens of accusations of rape and sexual assault dating back to the 1960s.

The allegations have created a sharp divide between Cosby’s supporters and critics, many of whom were once fans and now feel duped by the actor’s family-friendly persona and longtime role as a moral compass.

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Cosby, 79, has not been found guilty of any crimes, although many of the accusations date so far back that the stature of limitations has expired on any opportunity to prosecute them.

However, authorities in suburban Philadelphia believe they have enough evidence to convict Cosby of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in January 2004.

Here are 11 things you need to know as jury selection begins in Cosby’s trial.

1.

Who is Andrea Constand?

A Canada native and former college basketball player, Constand was the director of operations for Temple’s women’s hoops team in 2004. As a result of that role, she became friendly with Cosby, a graduate of the university and perhaps its most ardent supporter.

2.

What are the allegations?

Constand says that she went to Cosby’s home in suburban Philadelphia one night and Cosby gave her pills to relax. She said she became semi-conscious and had difficulty moving. She said Cosby then began to grope her, and she later woke up to find her clothing scattered around the room. She left Temple several months later and reported the incident a year later to Montgomery County law enforcement. This was the first time Cosby was officially accused of a sex assault crime.

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3.

Does Cosby face criminal charges related to any other allegations?

No, he does not face sexual assault charges in any other case. There are numerous civil lawsuits pending, however, from women who say Cosby assaulted them in a manner similar to Constand’s accusations.

4.

Why did it take so long to go to trial?

Constand’s allegations were “insufficient” for the district attorney to file charges, so the case was dropped. A month later, Constand filed a civil lawsuit that Cosby eventually settled for an undisclosed amount and the records were sealed. In July 2015, Constand asked a court to unseal those records, in which Cosby admitted to giving Quaaludes to women to enhance sexual relations on multiple occasions but said he did not drug them against their will or sexually assault them. The unsealed records prompted a new criminal investigation into Constand’s claims. Three counts of second-degree felony aggravated indecent assault were filed in December 2015, one month before the statute of limitations would expire.

5.

Why is jury selection being held in Allegheny County if the trial is taking place in Montgomery County?
Cosby's lawyers want an outside jury because the case had been a

flashpoint

in the 2015 race for Montgomery County district attorney. Former prosecutor Bruce Castor, the Republican candidate, had declined to charge Cosby a decade earlier. First Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele, a Democrat whose office had reopened the case, attacked Castor over the Cosby case in campaign ads.

6.

What will it be like to serve on the jury?

In a rare move, the jury will be sequestered near the courthouse in

Norristown

, 300 miles from Pittsburgh, for the trial that begins June 5. Court officers will keep close tabs on jurors’

cellphone

use, TV time and reading material, given the huge media coverage the case will bring. The trial is expected to last about two weeks, but could go longer if rebuttal witnesses are called or the jury struggles to reach a verdict.

7.

What type of jurors will lawyers seek?

The defense will likely seek jurors who are black, male, older and perhaps celebrity worshippers, experts say. Black jurors may be more willing to doubt police and prosecutors, while older jurors may blame the victim for being in the married Cosby's home. Celebrity worshippers may be sympathetic or try to form a connection to the star, relating to the fact they once saw them in a store or come from the same hometown or have children the same age. Prosecutors could look for younger jurors who may have more modern views of sexual assault cases, especially those, like Cosby's, that involve acquaintance situations or a delay in contacting police. Experts say about one in four jurors will say they or someone close to them has been the victim of a sexual assault. Those individuals would likely be dismissed by the judge.

8.

How much leeway does each side have to pick jurors?

Either side can ask the judge to strike a potential juror for cause, without it counting against them. That might include jurors who admit having a biased view of the case, or have a hardship - a medical condition, family obligation or financial or job situation - that prevents them from serving. After that, each side can strike seven jurors and three alternates without cause, simply because they sense they fear they would hurt their sides.

9.

Will the jurors be identified?

Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Steven O'Neill plans to keep the jurors' names private. However, WPXI will be covering the proceedings, reporting on both the nature of the arguments over jury selection and the willingness of people to serve in the high-profile case.

10.

Will jurors hear from Cosby during the trial?

Cosby told an interviewer this past week that he does not expect to testify, given his fear of wading into trouble while trying to be truthful during cross-examination.

11.

If Cosby is found guilty, what penalties does he face?

Cosby can be sentenced to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

 

Cox Media Group

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