Can a member of the jury ask questions?

Most judges will NOT allow a juror to ask witnesses questions. Of those that do, there is a specific procedure the judge will require to ask a question. Usually, if a juror has a question for a witness, the judge will instruct the juror to write the question down.

Can a potential juror refuse to answer questions?

Prospective jurors are asked questions during a process called voir dire. If they don’t answer them, they’ll be dismissed, and they won’t be jurors. , Served on a jury that convicted and acquitted for murder. Yes, if he/she wants to be found in contempt of court, fined and possibly imprisoned.

What are two ways used by lawyers to excuse prospective jurors?

After questioning prospective jurors, each side’s attorney may challenge certain jurors using two types of challenges: “for cause” and “peremptory.” By challenging a juror, the attorney is asking the judge to excuse that juror from the panel. Much has changed during the coronavirus pandemic, including jury trials.

Is it a good idea for jurors to ask questions of the witnesses?

Being able to ask questions helps them to put the evidence together in a way that makes sense to them. Allowing jurors to pose questions to witnesses empowers them and engages them in the process. Research shows it increases juror satisfaction as well.

Can the jury ask for evidence?

Jurors may take the position of being an adversary of a witness rather than being interested in all of the facts of the case. Jurors may rate the importance of testimony if a judge does not elect to ask a witness a juror’s question.

How many challenges for cause do lawyers get when picking a jury?

Lawyers generally have an unlimited number of “for cause” challenges available. In order to serve as a juror, a person must be a U.S. citizen, over the age of 18, live in the court’s jurisdiction, and have the right to vote.

Why do lawyers ask personal questions during jury selection?

Attorneys ask questions of potential jurors to determine juror attitudes, biases, and their ability to truly be an impartial juror. The attorneys will inquire about you personally, and will also ask questions about your friends, families, and acquaintances.

Can jurors talk to each other?

Of course they can talk to each other. They’re not really supposed to talk about the case until it’s time for deliberations, but it’s basically a closed chamber, so what goes on in the jury room is pretty much between them. Jurors spend time together during lunch and recesses, so there’s plenty of time for socializing.

Can jurors take notes?

Jurors are allowed to take notes when they are in court. The instruction goes on to say that at the conclusion of the trial, all juror notes will be destroyed. The judge will also give a caution that if you take notes, do not get so involved in note-taking that you become distracted from the proceeding.

What kind of questions do lawyers ask at jury duty?

One of the first questions that the attorney will ask if whether the juror knows anyone involved in the case. A juror who is the neighbor of a police officer testifying in the case of the child of one of the attorneys cannot serve on the juror.

Can attorneys ask jurors about their personal opinions?

Attorneys often ask potential jurors about their personal opinions during jury selection. Personal opinions that relate to the case can keep jurors from voting in the way one attorney wants them to vote.

What kind of people are not allowed to be jurors?

Those who worked as police officer or for a law enforcement department and those who work as lawyers have a better understanding of the law than other jurors do. Attorneys will generally turn down those jurors.

Can a juror be prosecuted for giving a false answer?

But no matter where the case is tried, all potential jurors are placed under oath, and though it is rare, a juror could be prosecuted for giving an intentionally false answer. Experienced attorneys ask questions to get a sense of how a juror will respond to the evidence and arguments in the case about to be tried.