Jury Selection

Jury Selection in the United States

Jury Selection of a Jury

Introduction to Jury Selection

In the U.S. the selection of a jury commences when a large group of citizens is called to appear for jury duty at each term of court. They are selected according to statutory and constitutional provisions. Each state has its own qualifications for those who may serve on a jury. In general, all jurors must be U.S. citizens, local residents, of majority age, of approved integrity, and of reasonable intelligence. The group of jurors called at any one time is known as a panel. Both the state and federal courts have independent lists of jurors that are made up under the direction of officials known as commissioners of jurors. Jurors are paid, as provided by statute, for time spent serving on jury duty.

At a trial the selection of the jury is made subject to the direction of the presiding judge. The names of the prospective jurors are drawn by lot by the clerk of the court. Both the defense and the prosecution may examine the jurors to ascertain whether cause for challenge in any particular case exists-that is, whether circumstances exist that might improperly influence a juror’s decisions, such as bias or self-interest. The parties to the action or their attorneys may then exercise their right to eliminate undesirable members from the jury by means of challenge.” (1)

Jury Selection & Voir Dire in Criminal Cases

This section examines the Jury Selection & Voir Dire in Criminal Cases subject in its related phase of trial. In some cases, other key elements related to trials, such as personal injury, business, and criminal litigation, are also addressed.

Resources

Notes and References

Guide to Jury Selection

Trial Trial by Jury Jury Selection

Introduction to Jury Selection

The procedure usually followed in the trial of either a civil or criminal action is as follows. A panel of jurors is convened in the court in which the case is to be tried; the names of prospective jurors are drawn by lot by the clerk of the court, and as the names are called the prospective jurors take their seats in the jury box. The attorneys for the respective parties are then permitted to examine the jurors at length for the purpose of determining their qualifications to sit as jurors. Each side has the right, depending upon the type of case and the jurisdictions involved, to challenge a certain number of jurors peremptorily; that is, without cause. Prospective jurors who exhibit bias or prejudice can be challenged for cause. The first 12 persons who are accepted as satisfactory by both sides constitute the jury. See Jury.” (1)

Jury Selection & Voir Dire in Criminal Cases

This section examines the Jury Selection & Voir Dire in Criminal Cases subject in its related phase of trial. In some cases, other key elements related to trials, such as personal injury, business, and criminal litigation, are also addressed.

Resources

Notes and References

Guide to Jury Selection

Jury Selection in relation to Crime and Race

Jury Selection is included in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime (1), beginning with: The jury selection process is one of the most important components in the American criminal justice system; however, it has been questioned whether court participants receive a fair trial under the present process. Juries have often not been representative of defendants’ peers. Some argue that this reinforces group stereotypes and leads to biased verdicts and sentences, especially in cases involving race. This section examines the controversy surrounding race and the jury selection process, paying particular attention to case law, racial bias, and scientific research. The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees that in all criminal prosecutions, the accused is guaranteed the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state in which the crime was committed.

Jury Selection & Voir Dire in Criminal Cases

This section examines the Jury Selection & Voir Dire in Criminal Cases subject in its related phase of trial. In some cases, other key elements related to trials, such as personal injury, business, and criminal litigation, are also addressed.

Resources

Notes and References

  1. Entry about Jury Selection in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime

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