Preparation for Jury Selection

Preparation of your Voir dire questions is critical. It is important to have thought about the type of a juror you would like to have judge your case.

What mix of gender, age, race and background are you interested in getting on your panel. Have a desired profile before jury selection, it will help you strategically when it comes time for the “for cause challenges” and the “preemptory challenges.”

You also need to think about what type of jurors your opponent will want so you can strategically use your challenges wisely.

There are 7 areas of concern that you need to pay attention to during jury selection.

1. What are the issues of your case?

2. What are the potential biases and prejudices that a potential juror may have pertaining to the facts of your case?

3. Ask open-ended questions that will engage the potential juror to reveal their opinions, beliefs and convictions.

4. Listen to the potential juror’s choice of words and phrasing of their words.

5. Watch for the non-verbal responses, including facial and body clues to help you ask follow up questions.

6. Ask open ended clarifying questions.

7. Accept the potential juror’s answer. Avoid trying to change their position.