Opening Arguments in Edwards Trial

The final phase of jury selection as well as opening arguments are expected today in the John Edwards Trial.

Jeff Tiberii: The process of striking the jury takes place this morning at federal court in Greensboro. A pool of 40 prospective jurors will be whittled down to 16. Those 12 jurors and four alternates will then hear opening statements from the government and defense. Edwards was indicted last June on six counts of campaign finance violations. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains he never broke any law. The prosecution says the former North Carolina Senator used more than 900-thousand dollars to hide an extra marital affair and child he fathered with his mistress. That mistress, former campaign aide Andrew Young and his oldest daughter Cate are among the dozens of witnesses who could testify in the Trial. If convicted Edwards faces up to 30 years in prison. Judge Catherine Eagles expects the trial to last at least six weeks.