NCJ Number
170749
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1996) Pages: 36-38
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Philadelphia juries are selected using a standardized questionnaire for prospective jurors and are given detailed explanations of the questions on an introductory videotape, and this approach has improved the jury system.
Abstract
The questionnaire and videotape save time because the judge no longer has to ask questions and wait for court officers to record the juror's name and jury number. The bar has been accommodated by assuring the same basic questions are posed to prospective jurors in every trial. Jurors receive detailed explanations of items on the questionnaire, and questions are further clarified in the videotape. Questions relate to physical and psychological problems, criminal trials, and civil trials. Jurors are asked if they can follow the law, and they are asked balanced questions to ensure fairness. Because of the standardization in using the questionnaire and videotape, court staff often supervise the voir dire with lawyers in civil cases, and this gives judges the opportunity to carry out other duties. 2 footnotes