NCJ Number
117345
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article guides attorneys in preparing for and conducting voir dire, with attention to equitable adjustments in challenges for joint defendants, preparation and use of the juror information sheet, profiling the ideal juror, and the use of juror challenges.
Abstract
The article advises that when there are multiple defendants, the plaintiff's lawyer should seek an adjustment in the number of challenges the court allows in jury selection. Conversely, a codefendant's lawyer should be certain that separate challenges are allowed. Some courts use juror information sheets, which are completed by jurors in advance of the voir dire examination. This questionnaire will be more useful if it is comprehensive and tailored to the particular case. Attorneys should request such an extensive questionnaire. A profile of the ideal juror should be developed before filing proposed questions for the jury. The profile should encompass occupation, sex; race, nationality, and ethnic background; marital and family status; education; and age. The article outlines juror information that should be obtained in virtually all jury examinations and also suggests how to save the favorable juror from challenge for cause and how to construct a successful challenge for cause to unfavorable jurors.