Judicial Survey Questions

NMG Q57: Please describe your jury selection process.

NMG A57: The Court poses voir dire questions as supplemented by counsel, to the sworn panel, and keeps track of affirmative responses of each panelist. The deputy fills the jury box with randomly chosen jurors who are then called to sidebar to explain affirmative responses and to answer any additional related questions posed by counsel. If a juror is excused for cause he/she is replaced until there is a so-called clean slate in the jury box. The Court then inquires orally about the occupation of each potential juror and of his/her spouse. Preemptory challenges are then exercised at sidebar alternately until each side is satisfied understanding that there are no back strikes after each round. The same procedure is followed in successive rounds until a complete jury is chosen.

Related Topics:
* Gorton, Nathaniel M.

United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts