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28 / THE ALGER HISS TRIAL
United States was no longer the only nuclear power. HUAC's investigations of Soviet espionage continued.
Claude Cross, Hiss's lawyer, asked that the trial be moved to another state. This is often done when a lawyer feels his defendant cannot get a fair trial where it is scheduled to take place. The first trial judge had not been assigned to retry the case. Nixon had publicly threatened that judge with impeachment, giving the impression that the judge might have favored Hiss. Cross argued that there had been so much publicity against Hiss that it would be impossible to select twelve fair-minded jurors. The new judge turned down his request.
On Thursday, November 17, Hiss and Cross entered a courtroom packed with reporters and spectators. Alger Hiss looked dignified and handsome. His presence in court was important. What he wore, how he looked, how he carried himself or acted during the trial would affect what the jury thought of him and might affect its verdict.
A trial is like a contest between two opponents: The prosecutor represents the state; the
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