Dominion-Fox News updates: Settlement reached for $787.5 million

After sanctioning Fox News last week for a delay in turning over evidence, Judge Eric Davis has now officially authorized a special master to investigate Fox News' potential "discovery issues," according to a new order from the judge.

The order comes just before opening arguments in the case are scheduled to begin.

According to the order, the investigation by the special master will "include a determination" of whether Fox News and Fox Corp "complied with their discovery obligations."

The special master, who was previously appointed to oversee discovery in the case, is now "further authorized and empowered" to look into multiple declarations made by Fox attorneys in the case, the order says.

In his initial instructions to the jury, Judge Eric Davis told jurors not to talk amongst themselves or discuss the case with family or friends.

"You have to fight human nature. This is the hardest thing you'll have to do during the trial," Davis said. "You have to refrain from talking about the case with your fellow jurors or a third party."

The judge also reminded the jurors that they are not Dick Tracy.

"Do not do any detective work," he said. "You cannot do any independent research about this case."

Davis told jurors they can bring water or some other beverage into the courtroom, provided it has a cap or lid.

"You can bring some type of drink," Davis said, jokingly adding, "non-alcoholic."

The trial is expected to last about six weeks.

A jury has been seated to hear the defamation accusations against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems.

The jury is made up of six women and six men who were previously asked about their Fox News viewing habits. Six women and six men were also seated as alternates.

The jurors will remain anonymous for the duration of the trial. Judge Eric Davis had expressed concern about possible jury tampering amid the international attention on the case.

Immediately after the jurors were sworn in, alternate juror No. 3 raised his hand from his seat and told the judge, "Sir I can't do this. I've been up all night. I can't do this."

Judge Davis offered to talk with the man off the bench and, ultimately, opted to dismiss him from service.

"I've excused alternate No. 3 and we will swear in a new No. 3," Davis said.

Jury selection is underway Tuesday morning at Delaware Superior Court in Wilmington, Delaware.

The jury is expected to be seated by the end of the morning, with opening statements expected to begin shortly thereafter, according to the judge in the case.