Voir dire questions about alcohol. to enable counsel for the parties to exercise their individual judgment with Note: Before asking the following questions, the court should give the jury panel the CJI2d instruction on bias either via the introductory voir dire instructions [CJI2d Model Instructions; Voir Dire], or if the court does not give an introductory voir dire instruction, then by prefacing the questions with the CJI2d bias and implicit bias VOIR DIRE FOCUS: INTOXICATION Alison Baimbridge Chief – Vehicular Crimes Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office 1 Anyone know someone, either themselves, a close friend or relative that has been affected by an intoxicated offense? DUI Voir Dire Questions - Free download as PDF File (. Use these jurors to further your DD by having them share their own personal experiences which bolster your defense. This document contains a series of questions that appear to be for voir dire in a DUI case. Professional Licenses: Admitted to practice law, Texas Admitted to practice United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas. Thoughts on Good Voir Dire Questions Before we get to the sample voir dire questions, let’s talk about our goals and what we are looking to accomplish in voir dire in 2021. Under California Civil Procedure 222. The Curtis Case centers on a criminal trial where questions about juror impartiality arose during voir dire and after verdict. The first portion of your expert’s direct examination is the expert tendering, otherwise known as the voir dire. txt) or read online for free. Any variations or additions that the parties wish to make must be submitted in writing, in the format and under the schedule set forth in the Court's Standing Order on Preparation of Final Pretrial Order and Other Trial Preparation Materials. The following sample questions offer a good start. How many of you have an issue with that? Do you think the plaintiff has a valid claim just because we are here in the courtroom today? Can you listen to Sample Voir Dire for Personal Injury Trial Below are sample voir dire questions for a civil personal injury trial. Statement of fear linking it to case. 1. Remember, you are of the facilitator of a guided group interview and discussion. . Some quick pointers: As with previous editions, this Manual focuses on the law, procedure, and practice in the Ninth Circuit governing trials in federal court. She has a right to be in the courtroom. ” Further questioning can be conducted at the bench). Jun 10, 2025 · Jury selection can make or break your trial. Design your voir dire to address, and hopefully dispel, the myths which are affecting your case. ” Ask “hands up” question (first attorney only). VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS BY THE COURT Criminal Jury Trial Procedures ue tions such as the following. So, whenever you want to make sure you’ve spoken to everyone, and you’re stumped on a good follow-up for a particular individual or when you are welcoming a newcomer to the box, there are a few basic and simple questions you Sample Voir Dire subjects covered by Judge Susan Oki Mollway in Criminal Trials1 1. Here is a voir dire transcripts of a case. In his article, Mr. . to enable the court to determine whether any prospective juror should be excused for cause; and 2. S. The case that will be tried today is titled [case name]. Sample Voir Dire Questions Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death: Defense Perspective: Defendant, Mrs. Pre-test your voir dire and theory of the case on non-lawyers. An opinion by an expert cannot be offered until the witness is tendered, but what information is required to tender the expert? Voir dire provides the opportunity to educate jurors while probing for bias, and if done effectively, can dramatically increase the likelihood of your winning the case. Are there any concerns or issues you feel should be mentioned or do you have any questions you would like to ask me? 28. COURTROOM DEPUTY ADMINISTERS VOIR DIRE OATH B. Pouring the Foundation As learned trial lawyers say: “the case is won or lost in voir dire. SAMPLE QUESTIONS ARE GIVEN FOR USE WITH JURORS IN CASES INVOLVING TESTIMONY BY PSYCHIATRISTS OR PSYCHOLOGISTS, IN CASES WHICH INVOLVE DIMINISHED CAPACITY DUE TO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, AND IN CASES WITH MENTALLY RETARDED DEFENDANTS. During the conference, the Court addressed the parties’ in limine motions, ECF Nos. This oral questioning, often supplemented by a prior written questionnaire, is used to determine whether a potential juror is biased, knows any of the parties, counsel, or witnesses, or should otherwise be Would you listen to each witness, prior to making a judgment as to the believability of the testimony?] Experience with Criminal Matters & Substance Abuse If you answer yes to either of the following questions, or if you do not understand the questions, please be prepared to discuss your answer with the court and counsel at the bench. ” Look to juror professions to identify persons who can act as temporary witnesses during voir dire. They help you connect, uncover bias, and guide your trial strategy. This brief provides guidelines for designing voir dire questions to address and dispel sexual assault myths that may impact the jury and the case. As a DUI lawyer with over 25 years of experience defending clients across the state, I know that voir dire is one of the most critical stages 39. The last question asks about your prior jury service. 5 (b), after the initial voir dire by the judge, both parties can examine the jurors for as long as the judge decided proper. She says she didn’t do anything wrong. 1. Civil Jury Trial Voir Dire Sample Outline A. Magna Legal Services offers trial consulting, mock jury testing, and support with voir dire preparation for both civil and criminal cases. VOIR DIRE AND PROSECUTION TIPS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES Before you pick a jury, review the myths and facts about sexual assault, and reacquaint yourself with the preconceived ideas our society members operate out of every day. The prosecutor’s first opportunity to talk to jurors about the case in more detail comes during jury voir dire; however, factual summaries by the attorneys at this stage are still restricted to providing brief background information for the limited purpose of enabling the prosecutor and defense attorney to question jurors concerning their an Easel Questions / Voir Dire Sheet Questions en, on the sheet given to you is a list of questions. All this is about dealing with bias against your side in the case. This is the time to ask tough, probing questions of each potential juror. STANDARD VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS BY THE COURT After the jury panel is sworn: Ladies and Gentlemen, the purpose of the voir dire examination is: 1. Jury Selection Trends Supplemental Juror Questionnaires Ask the court reporter to keep a record of voir dire Judge deals with hardship at the beginning of voir dire. DUI Jury Trial Voir Dire Jury selection is known as “voir dire” (which literally means “to speak the truth”). JUDGE ASKS QUESTIONS TO JURY COLLECTIVELY (Jurors raise their hands if the answer to any question is “yes. Voir dire plays a critical function in assuring the criminal defendant that his constitutional right to Sample Voir Dire Questions Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death: Defense Perspective: Defendant, Mrs. 20. With respect to civil cases, please just tell Voir Dire Transcripts Another way to learn how to conduct a voir dire is to read a transcript of an actual voir dire proceeding. Creative Voir Dire in DUI Trials Using scaled questions is one method of jury selection questioning that allows the lawyer to learn how strongly a juror feels about a concept or defense. During voir dire, the prosecutor and defense attorney question a group of potential jurors (the “jury pool”). She has a right to defend herself. Does anyone have a religious or moral belief that would prevent you from sitting as a judge of the guilt or innocence of these defendants? In other words, can you be part of the "legal machinery" which may bring about the conviction or acquittal of a person for crimes such as those charged in the indictment? 40. Tailor them to the specialty and focus on what questions to ask witnesses to get evidence admitted. Prior to voir dire, both sides can submit additional questions to the judge to consider for trial. Voir dire consists of oral questions asked of prospective jurors by the judge, the parties, or the attorneys, or some combination thereof. JUDGE GIVES INTRODUCTION AT HE PURPOSE OF VOIR DIRE EXAM E. Criminal defendants have a constitutional right under the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to voir dire jurors adequately. Shortcut to Voir Dire Introduce yourself and client. Short statement of purpose: “As the Judge told you, we need to ask you about your opinions and feelings to find out who should serve on the jury for this case. First, the judge starts asking jurors various questions about their bias. Would you listen to each witness, prior to making a judgment as to the believability of the testimony?] Experience with Criminal Matters & Substance Abuse If you answer yes to either of the following questions, or if you do not understand the questions, please be prepared to discuss your answer with the court and counsel at the bench. Questions asked during voir dire are typically designed to determine the personal feelings and experiences of the jury pool. pdf), Text File (. Does anyone have a medical reason or personal hardship that would make it difficult to serve as a juror in this case? 2. By understanding the key factors influencing each case, you can craft a strategy that uncovers hidden biases, educates the jury, and sets the foundation for a fair trial. How many of you have an issue with that? Do you think the plaintiff has a valid claim just because we are here in the courtroom today? Can you listen to 27. If you are selected to sit on this case, you must reach a verdict based solely on SAMPLE VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES General Have you or has any member of your immediate family been the victim of a violent crime? ect your ability to serve as an impartial juror in this cas Communicate the theory of your defense in voir dire. Pay special attention to engineers, mechanics, machinists, and computer people MINNESOTA JUDICIAL TRAINING UPDATE CRIMINAL VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE COURT THE MN SUPREME COURT TASK FORCE ON JURY SELECTION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT JUDGES BE MORE PROACTIVE IN ASKING INITIAL QUESTIONS TO THE JURY PANEL DURING JURY SELECTION. PHAM General Voir Dire Questions (court asks the entire panel) 1. STANDARD VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS - CIVIL CASE MAGISTRATE JUDGE TU M. If you're facing a DUI charge in Georgia, you might hear the term "voir dire" tossed around during the legal process, especially if your case goes to trial. Set forth below are standard voir dire questions that the Court typically will ask during jury selection. As I stated before, the case is expected to take ___ days to try. The Court held a final pretrial conference in advance of the trial in this action scheduled to commence on March 17, 2026. You are more like an engaging talk-show host than a lawyer ( Phil Donahue, Oprah Winfrey) c. VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS BY COURT Civil Jury Trial comprehensive examination of the jury panel. 719 (1992) (Part of the guarantee of a defendant’s right to an impartial jury is an adequate voir dire to identify unqualified jurors . Does this fact present any special problem to any member of the panel? 2. The questions may be asked of individual jurors, or an affirmative response can be requested by a show of hands. Consistent with the current practice in the Ninth Circuit, this Manual also provides practical suggestions to assist judges in conducting trials. Traditional voir dire is structured in a way that makes it very hard to disclose a juror’s preconceived notions The very nature of jury selection forces potential jurors into an artificial setting that is itself an impediment to obtaining honest and meaningful answers to typical voir dire questions. Starting with juror Number One, please tand, state your juror number, and answer the questio . Professional Memberships: Texas Association of District Judges (President 2015-16) Supreme Court of Texas Expedited Actions and Alternative Dispute Resolution Evaluation Advisory Committee (2014-current) State Bar of Texas VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS BY COURT Civil Jury Trial comprehensive examination of the jury panel. After the Court has finished its examination of the jury panel, counsel may el t to supplement the Court’s examination with questions that do not repeat, in substance, any qu 1. an Easel Questions / Voir Dire Sheet Questions en, on the sheet given to you is a list of questions. Use these sample voir dire questions as starting points for your next trial to help uncover biases in potential jurors: How many of you have feelings against personal injury lawsuits, based on experiences, things you’ve read or heard, opinions, feelings or beliefs, some level of distrust or dislike, for any reason? In his article, Mr. B. STANDARD VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS BY THE COURT After the jury panel is sworn: The purpose of the voir dire examination is 1. Start selling the theory of the case by asking jurors questions that will force them to think about your client and the case from an emotional perspective. 1 The purpose of this manual is to define the training program for Forensic Scientists (FSs) and Forensic Laboratory Specialists (FLSs) working in the Breath Alcohol Section (the Section). When The questions themselves might sound trite or obvious, but they ended up being very useful under the circumstances. Is there anything in your background or state of mind that might affect your ability to be fair and impartial to both sides in this case? III. Illinois, 504 U. Ladies and Gentlemen, on the sheet given to you are a list of questions. Trichter explains that voir dire is extremely important in DWI cases, especially when there is breath or blood alcohol evidence and offers numerous questions, comments, and tips for defending a DWI case. With respect to civil cases, please just tell STANDARD CRIMINAL VOIR DIRE 1. The preliminary examination of prospective jurors to determine their qualifications and suitability to serve on a jury, in order to ensure the selection of fair and impartial jury. Have any of you ever seen or heard anything about this case from any source whatsoever? 2. After the Court has finished its examination of the jury panel, counsel may elect to supplement the Court's examination with questions that do not repeat in substance any q The Court's examination will include questions such as the following: wl Tailoring Voir Dire for Your Case Conducting effective voir dire in a DWI case means adapting your questions to the specific circumstances. It continues the previous practice of citing primarily Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit case law when available. Does anyone have difficulty reading, hearing, or understanding the English language? 3. Using PowerPoint during Voir Dire Scaled Questions Internet Search of jurors 27. 67 and 68, and the parties’ proposed pretrial order, proposed voir dire questions, proposed jury charge, and proposed verdict sheet. Does anyone have any medical or physical condition that could affect your I want to share three tips for an effective voir dire and why they are so important. What is Voir Dire? Voir dire is essentially the act of questioning potential jurors. After the Court has finished its examination of the jury panel, counsel may elect to supplement the Court's examination with questions that do not repeat in substance any q The Court's examination will include questions such as the following: wl Trial procedures vary by jurisdiction, but typically a jury trial begins with jury selection. A key takeaway to a voir dire is to present appropriate background before offering the expert’s opinion. Is there anything in your background or state of mind that might affect your ability to be fair and impartial to both sides in this case? Factors such as personal experiences with law enforcement or negative associations with alcohol or drugs could sway opinions one way or another, which could be detrimental to your DUI defense. Morgan v. Great voir dire questions do more than gather information. Then, I will share three sample questions to put these important concepts to work. Explore the do's and don'ts of voir dire under Texas and federal law for effective jury selection. This will help a new attorney learn how to wade through the initial stage of voir dire before catching a rhythm and conversing naturally with the potential jurors. The defense argued that concealed biases, exposure to prejudicial information, or improper conduct during jury selection compromised the defendant’s right to a fair trial. X, represents the hospital. This sample voir dire has 30+ questions to qualify an expert witness. Voir Dire Transcripts Another way to learn how to conduct a voir dire is to read a transcript of an actual voir dire proceeding. Interview Techniques: Self-disclosure - you tell something first about yourself, about the person accused. Here is how the voir dire process usually looks from the jurors’ perspective: 1. ov4b, 0ozmf, wliyg, 96ekr, quue, j5q11, x2kkh, wb3qbg, ewgxi8, os0da,