Before a trial begins, the clerk of the court where the defendant will have his trial calls a panel of prospective jurors. These people will sit in a courtroom and be able to see the judge, the prosecution and defense lawyers, and the defendant. The judge will usually say something about the jury selection process (“voir dire”). In most cases, each potential juror will stand up and say a few things about themselves (guided by a sheet of paper that the clerk handed out before they entered the courtroom).
After this, the judge or lawyers will ask the potential jurors questions about their background and general beliefs to ensure that anyone with biases or prejudices are not allowed on the jury. If any attorney or judge feel that any of the potential jurors is not qualified for the case, the juror will be excused “for cause.” A judge or lawyer can dismiss as many potential jurors for cause to ensure that the defendant gets a fair jury of his peers.
The prosecution and defense are also allowed to excuse some potential jurors with “peremptory challenges.” This means that any lawyer can dismiss a potential juror without stating their reason. The only thing not allowed are gender, ethnically, or racially motivated dismissals. Other than that, it is at the discretion of the lawyer.
Tags: jury, Jury Duty, Picking a Jury
