Potential juror in terror trial goes to Oprah

  

May 17, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A potential juror in the terror trial of a Chicago businessman was excused Tuesday to attend a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Tuesday marks day two in the trial of Tahawwur Rana, a Chicago businessman accused of helping plan the 2008 rampage that killed more than 160 people in Mumbai, India.

Jurors are being asked to fill out questionnaires regarding their backgrounds and views on various issues and topics, such as Islam.

Rana's lawyers say extensive questionnaires are used in trials of this nature in the United States.

The Oprah Winfrey Show is currently wrapping up its final season. Thousands of people are expected to pack the United Center in Chicago Tuesday for a start-studded taping of one of the final episodes.

This is not the first time tickets to the Oprah show have been a consideration in a jury selection process. Last month, the judge in the corruption retrial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich said he would be flexible if a potential juror with Oprah show tickets was selected to serve on the jury.

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