A jury of eight women and four men was chosen today to hear the stock fraud trial of Westport’s Martha Stewart.
Lawyers for the government and defense were expected to present their opening statements beginning Tuesday.
Six alternates—four men and two women —also were selected.
In a defeat for Stewart, U.S. District Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum ruled that the defense may not argue that she is being prosecuted for asserting her innocence and exercising her right to free speech.
Cedarbaum also ruled that the defense may not ask jurors to speculate why Stewart was not charged with insider trading.
The day began with 53 potential jurors waiting to hear whether they would be chosen as lawyers for both sides met behind closed doors to select the final 12 plus alternates.
