Voir Dire Jury Selection Process I Warm Up

Voir Dire Jury Selection Process

I. Warm Up Activity (5 mins) • On one sheet of paper, list the following: Tell your classmates three things about yourself that they may not already know. – 1) I’m a morning person. – 2) I don’t like cats. – 3) I’m anti-social at times.

Jury Decisions

Objectives • Explain the process of selecting a jury. • Distinguish between the roles of judge and jury during a trial. • Collaborate and demonstrate understanding of the jury selection process.

The Runaway Jury Discussion • What is this movie about? • Why are the gun manufacturers so concerned about this trial? • If the gun manufacturers lost this case, what effect could that have on: – Value of share – Lawsuits -Govt. Action -Legal fees for future cases

Continued • How might we change the legal system so that juries are not manipulated in this way? • What does this movie imply about the jury selection process? • What does this movie say about the U. S. Justice System?

I. Voir Dire (French word) • Jury selection process in the U. S. • Opposing lawyers question prospective jurors to get as favorable or as fair a jury as possible. – Voir – “to see” Dire – “to say” “to speak the truth”

II. Batson vs. Kentucky • Neither side is allowed to exercise a peremptory challenge based on the race or gender of a prospective juror.

Cooperative Activity • Separate into opposing teams (2 Prosecution vs. 2 Defense) • Jurors should develop their profiles. • Decide on the final six questions to be asked of your jurors. • Read the Hypothetical and decide among yourselves which jurors would be the best and worse for your side. Explain why. If you had only one

Wrap Up • What is voir dire? • Explain how it works. • What are the pros/cons of the process? • Was your group successful in eliminating a potentially biased juror? Why or why not?