GREENSBORO, N.C. - John Edwards tried to make eye contact with each juror as they filed into the courtroom Wednesday before heading home after a fourth day of deliberations without a verdict in his campaign finance trial.

A former trial lawyer, Edwards is familiar with the old courtroom adage that jurors who return the defendant’s gaze with a quick smile or a nod may be leaning toward acquittal, while those who turn away could be signaling guilt.