during which proceeding would an attorney be able to question prospective jurors?

In most federal courts, lawyers submit questions to the judge, who will then question the potential jurors in open court. In state courts, however, lawyers are typically permitted to question the potential jurors.

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What is it called when an attorney asks a juror questions?

Sep 27, 2021 · Before it even begins, a trial can be won or lost during jury selection. In a procedure called voir dire, lawyers and, sometimes, judges question potential jurors from a pool of citizens summoned to court to serve jury duty. Voir dire (vwar deer) means “to speak the truth." Its primary purpose is to make sure that the jurors can listen fairly and impartially to the evidence and …

Why do lawyers ask so many questions during jury selection?

During the pre-trial jury selection process known as voir dire, criminal defendants often seek to question prospective jurors as to their willingness and ability to follow specific rules of law.3 The defendant can then challenge for cause or excuse peremptorily4 those …

How is a jury selected in a criminal case?

What does it mean to be judged by a jury?

Why do attorneys ask questions?

Attorneys ask questions of potential jurors to determine juror attitudes, biases, and their ability to truly be an impartial juror. The attorneys will inquire about you personally, and will also ask questions about your friends, families, and acquaintances.

Is jury duty a civic duty?

Jury duty is something that makes many people nervous. The courthouse procedures, the judge sitting stoically in a black robe, and the formality of the courtroom process can be intimidating. However, serving on a jury is an important civic duty.

How many jurors are needed for a trial?

The states vary in the number of jurors required for a jury, ranging from six to 23. If too many potential jurors have been eliminated after the use of challenges, the judge can either summon additional potential jurors or declare a mistrial.

What is the right to trial by jury?

The right to trial by jury in criminal cases is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as the laws of every state. (See The Right to Trial by Jury .) Lawyers and judges select juries by a process known as "voir dire," which is Latin for "to speak the truth.". In voir dire, the judge and attorneys for both sides ask ...

What is a voir dire?

The trial judge begins voir dire by asking the prospective jurors questions to ensure that are they are legally qualified to serve on a jury and that jury service would not them cause undue hardship .

What is the process of striking a jury?

In the process known as "striking a jury," the prosecution and defense take turns arguing their challenges for cause. If the judge grants a challenge, the juror will be struck from the jury panel.

What is a challenge for cause?

Challenges for Cause. Challenges for cause are made when voir dire reveals that a juror is not qualified, able, or fit to serve in a particular case. Lawyers generally have an unlimited number of "for cause" challenges available.

How old do you have to be to be a juror?

In order to serve as a juror, a person must be a U.S. citizen, over the age of 18 , live in the court's jurisdiction, and have the right to vote. Also, each person must be able to physically sit through the entire trial as well as hear and understand the trial testimony.

What is a bias in a case?

So, a juror who is a close friend or relative of a key party, a witness, the judge, or an attorney for either side will be dismissed for cause. Bias is also implied when a would-be juror's background or experience is likely to create a predisposition in favor of a party to the case.