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Juror, alternate ouster delays La. tobacco trial 

A fight over jurors selected to hear a statewide class-action suit against the tobacco industry delayed the start of opening statements and testimony Wednesday. . .

Civil District Judge Richard Ganucheau said he would call potential jurors who filled out a questionnaire for service in the case but have not been interviewed by attorneys. He set a hearing for Monday and plans to have attorneys select at least two replacements, depending on how the Supreme Court rules. There was no indication of when the Supreme Court would act.

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeal said the disqualified jurors should not have been seated because they indicated bias against the tobacco industry.

Attorneys would not comment, citing a gag order imposed by the judge.

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