One of the most significant police trials in US history begins today.

Derek Chauvin, the former officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck until he died, is standing trial for second degree murder and manslaughter.

Jury selection begins today - and any potential jurors have already received a 16 page questionnaire about their familiarity with the case, their news habits, and their own interactions with police.

Valerie Hans, jury researcher at Cornell Law School, told Kate Hawkesby these types of questions are quite uncommon.,

She says that in an ordinary trial, the court would only know a few things about the potential juror. 

Hans says that the jury selection could take three weeks due to how widespread the coverage was. 

"Many people had very strong views and opinions when they saw the videos.

"It's going to be hard to find people in the city who don't have very strong views." 

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