what are example questions a defense attorney ask when selecting a jury

by Mr. Trevion Bahringer Jr. 4 min read

Many jury selection questionnaires merely ask about current occupation. However, there is much to learn about someone’s job history; a few jury duty selection questions on this topic would be: “Tell me briefly about your job history,” or “Tell me about how and why you left your last three jobs,” “Describe your work day to me.”

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Why do lawyers ask so many questions during jury selection?

The questions they ask for jury duty are related to: Residency details. Children and relationship status. Employment status. Education level. Information on prior jury service. Other relevant experiences. When you answer them, court attorneys will ask questions about case-related experiences, knowledge of any related party, and your general ...

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

you will answer truthfully all questions asked of you. I will then ask you a series of questions to help us choose a fair and impartial jury. It is very important that you answer each question honestly, openly and candidly. If you cannot hear or understand a question, please stand. If your answer to a question is YES or MAYBE, please stand.

What are the questions to ask a lawyer?

Scaled Questions During Jury Selection By: Ben Rubinowitz and Evan Torgan ... By carefully crafting and preparing a series of questions to ask potential jurors, a trial attorney can efficiently eliminate ... For example, in the state courts where lawyer-conducted voir dires are still permitted in

What is the jury selection process in court?

Sep 27, 2021 · The defense lawyer might attempt to determine how potential jurors will react to that trial strategy by asking questions about the right to “stand your ground,” to defend your property, to possess firearms, and to protect others from harm. Answers to these types of questions help a lawyer predict how jurors are likely to react at trial.

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What do they ask potential jurors?

The lawyers or the judge may ask prospective jurors questions about their personal life and beliefs as the topics relate to the case and the jurors' ability to serve fairly and impartially and to follow the law. These questions should be answered fairly, openly, candidly and without embarrassment.

What factors should influence jury selection?

According to results, the presentation of the facts by the defense attorney is the factor that most strongly influences jurors. Other variables, in order of influence, are presentation of facts by the witnesses, by the prosecuting attorney, by the judge, and by the defendant.

What is the lawyers main goal when selecting the jury?

The process of jury selection is called "voir dire," and the role of an attorney is to identify which potential jurors will be helpful to their cases and which jurors may hold a bias toward their clients.

What are the three stages of selecting a jury?

Juries are chosen in a process that combines random selection with deliberate choice. Jury selection occurs in three stages; compiling a master list, summoning the venire and, conducting voir dire.

What are 2 things a juror should never do?

Don't lose your temper, try to bully, or refuse to listen to the opinions of other jurors. Don't mark or write on exhibits or otherwise change or injure them. Don't try to guess what might happen if the case you have heard is appealed.

What is the most important factor in deciding whether to prosecute?

The most important factor in deciding whether to prosecute is: if there is sufficient evidence for conviction.

Why do lawyers challenge jurors?

During voir dire, the attorneys scrutinize each prospective juror to try to determine if she or he would be sympathetic to one side or the other. The attorneys are also trying to determine if a prospective juror harbors any biases that would prevent them from being impartial.

How do jurors avoid being selected?

If you have a legitimate reason to find a way to get out of jury duty, here are a few options.Show You Have a True Conflict of Time. ... Avoid Jury Service Due to Poor Health. ... Get Out of Jury Duty by Demonstrating Financial Hardship. ... Best Tips for Getting Excused from a Jury.Sep 3, 2021

How is a jury selected?

Juror Selection Each district court randomly selects citizens' names from lists of registered voters and people with drivers licenses who live in that district. The people randomly selected complete a questionnaire to help determine if they are qualified to serve on a jury.

Who decides if note taking is allowed by the jurors?

Although only one state expressly prohibits this practice, in most jurisdictions whether members of a jury are allowed to take notes will depend upon the discretion of the judge.

What does deadlocked mean in a trial?

When there are insufficient jurors voting one way or the other to deliver either a guilty or not guilty verdict, the jury is known as a “hung jury” or it might be said that jurors are “deadlocked”. The judge may direct them to deliberate further, usually no more than once or twice.

How much do jurors get paid?

Federal jurors are paid $50 a day. While the majority of jury trials last less than a week, jurors can receive up to $60 a day after serving 10 days on a trial. (Employees of the federal government are paid their regular salary in lieu of this fee.)