What is the Process of Selecting a Petit Jury?
To begin a jury trial, a panel of prospective jurors is called into the courtroom. The panel members are sworn to answer questions about their qualifications to sit as jurors in the case. This questioning is called the voir dire. Voir dire is a way for the parties to select a fair and impartial jury. Under the justice system, jurors may be questioned by each of the lawyers before they decide to remove a certain number of jurors from the jury panel. For example, the prosecutor may ask a prospective juror questions to see if he is connected to the trial or if he has any prejudice or bias towards anyone in the trial. Other questions will determine whether any panel member has a prejudice or a feeling that might influence them in rendering a verdict. A juror may be excused from the panel if it is shown that the juror cannot act impartially concerning the case to be heard. In addition, each side is allowed to remove a given number of jurors from the panel without having to show any reason.
