This is what they ask you in jury duty- real questions
jury duty interview questions
The following questions are distilled from hours of watching real jury selection in real criminal cases. Some are designed to directly root out independent-minded people or people with certain opinions on especially jury nullification-friendly topics. Other questions are more general, designed to indirectly probe a prospective jurors thoughts to turn up information the attorney wont actually know to ask about unless the prospective juror clues them in. Be prepared for both kinds of questions by reviewing these examples.
It would, of course, be impractical to memorize a lengthy list of questions and answers before attending jury duty. However, reviewing these questions and deciding how you might truthfully but neutrally answer them can help you get into a general mindset of answering questions truthfully but neutrally during the actual questioning process.
At the same time, we recognize that jury selection has evolved from its originally intended function of seating a fair and impartial jury into an intricate game each side plays to gain an advantage. This generally includes attempts to find and deselect prospective jurors who are fully informed about their right to judge the law as well as the facts in the case before them.
jury duty interview questions
What about my job?Washington law says employers, “shall provide an employee with sufficient leave of absence from employment when that employee is summoned” for jury duty. It also says employers, “shall not deprive an employee of employment or threaten, coerce, or harass an employee or deny an employee promotional opportunities” for serving as a juror. It does not say your employer has to pay you while you serve.
Some do’s and dontsDuring Trial:DO arrive on time and DO return promptly after breaks and lunch. The trial cannot proceed until all jurors are present.DO pay close attention. If you cannot hear what is being said, raise your hand and let the judge know.DO keep an open mind all through the trial.DO listen carefully to the instructions read by the judge. Remember, it is your duty to accept what the judge says about the law to be applied to the case.DON’T try to guess what the judge thinks about the case. Remember that rulings from the bench do not reflect the judge’s personal viewsDON’T talk about the case with anyone – including other jurors – while the trial is going on, and DON’T let others talk about the case in your presence, even family members. If someone insists on talking to you or another juror about the case, please report the matter to a court employee. These rules are designed to help you keep an open mind during the trial.DON’T talk to the lawyers, parties, or witnesses about anything. This will avoid the impression that something unfair is going on.DON’T try to uncover evidence on your own. Never, for example, go to the scene of an event that was part of the case you are hearing. You must decide the case only on the basis of evidence admitted in court.DON’T let yourself get information about the case from the news media or any other outside source. Even if news reports are accurate and complete, they cannot substitute for your own impressions about the case. If you accidentally hear outside information about the case during trial, tell a member of the court staff in private.DON’T take notes during the trial unless the judge gives you permission to do so.
After you’re sworn in, the judge and the lawyers will question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, personal interest in it, or feelings that might make it hard for you to be impartial. This questioning process is called voie dire, which means, “to speak the truth”. Though some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer then completely and honestly.
If I’m physically challenged . . .?Judge and employees of Washington courts are committed to making jury service accessible to everyone. Though some courthouses are outdated and do not meet modern American Disability Act standards, attempts to accommodate all jurors will be made. Remember: If you have a hearing, sight, or mobility problem, ask a member of the court staff for help.
How long will I serve?How many days and hours you work as a juror depends on the jury selection system in your county. The judge may vary daily working hours to accommodate witnesses who have special travel or schedule problems. Jury trials in the Chehalis Municipal Court usually last only one to two days. You will only be summoned for one month within a 12 month period.
DoNotPay Can Help You Deal With Your Employer Hassle-Free
With DoNotPay, you can request jury duty leave without any worries you’ll be in your employer’s bad books or suffer any consequences. With our app, you’ll need only a few minutes to draft a professional leave request letter that will refer to the state law, which the employer has to respect.
All you need to do is:
When we generate the letter, we can send it to your employer directly, or you can choose to download it for later use.
