Jury Selection

In this courtroom, the judge introduced herself and told us a little about the case - the lawyers, the defendant, the names of the witnesses and some specific location that would be part of the case.

She asked us all if we knew these people or places. If we did, we were to raise our hands and tell her and she would asked us more questions. She proceeded to ask if anyone was or had family in law enforcement. A couple of people raised their hands and explained themselves. The judge questioned us if any of us or our family members were lawyers. Many people admitted to this and were interrogated further.

The judge queried whether anyone had been charged of a crime or was waiting for sentencing. No one answered this question. She mentioned that people could raise their hands and tell her in private. Still no one admitted to this. She continued to inquire if anyone had been part of a crime or a law suit. There were a few answers.

After each answer for each question, the judge quizzed the individual to see if their experience would hinder them from being impartial. Regardless of whatever one said or how much they tried to convince the judge they would be bad jurors, only 3 people were removed from the group as a whole.

The clerk then put everyone's summons into a basket and pulled out named. When a person's name was called, the were to line up in the jury box. The 8th name called was mine.