NCJ Number
104095
Date Published
1986
Length
611 pages
Annotation
This looseleaf text explains the application of behavioral and social sciences and statistical analysis to the jury selection process.
Abstract
An overview of constitutional guarantees details the right to trial by jury, waiver of the right, the jury size, juror immunity, and law related to jury impartiality and the representation of a cross-section of society. Preparation for voir dire is explained, including the handling of the discovery process, determination of the central issues and the theme of the case, developing knowledge about prospective jurors, and using a mock trial to guide jury selection. Decisionmaking regarding the use of challenges to the array, peremptory challenges, and challenges for cause is explained. Guidelines on conducting voir dire cover opening statements, questioning techniques, and challenges of jurors. Mistakes to avoid during voir dire are listed and discussed. Scientific jury selection techniques are outlined, including community surveys, mock juries and shadow juries, pretrial investigation of prospective jurors, and the use of jury consultants. The influence of extralegal factors and group dynamics on jury decisionmaking are explained. Body language and its interpretation and the use of socioeconomics, occupation, education, ethnicity, age, gender, marital status, and other factors to classify a jury pool are also detailed. Footnotes, appendix of selected Federal and State laws, index, and 387 references.