How do they actually pick the jurors for a trial?

Question

Yes, it's that time for me...just want to know.

Answer 1

there is a process called "voir dire" pronounced "vwa deer" which is a french phrase meaning "to speak the truth". this process allows the judge and the 2 attorneys to question the potential jurors under oath about their lives, their experiences in situations that are relevant to the case. for example if the case was a civil matter about a car accident, the attorneys would ask the jury pool if they had ever had a car accident, were there any injuries, were they satisfied with the outcome of their insurance settlements, etc. this helps the attorneys figure out if the jurors can be fair and neutral and give them a trial that will result in a verdict based on the facts presented. some jurors are excused for reasons based on the answers they give , some for no reason at all other than they need to winnow the pool down to the required number.
it is a fascinating and time -consuming process.

Answer 2

bobcat97 gave a good answer. In most jurisdictions, each side can dismiss a set number of potential jurors without giving a reason. They can also challenge prospects 'for cause'. This requires they explain to the judge why that person should not be on the jury. The first dozen or so (depending on how many jurors and alternates are needed) that are not dismissed, are selected to serve.

Answer 3

It varies from state to state and is a little different in federal courts. Most states choose people randomly from registered voters or those with their drivers' licenses. You will probably receive a form asking you all kinds of questions (do you have any hearing or vision problems? Do you have transportation to the courthouse?). From all those returned questionnaires, they'll pick a jury pool. If chosen for that pool, you show up at the courthouse at a given day and time and the lawyers for each side get to question you to make sure you don't have any previous knowledge of the case or the participants. From that pool, they'll choose 13 or so people, just in case a juror has to be dismissed once the trial starts.

Now for my soap box - a lot of people dread jury duty, but without it, no one could ever have a fair, constitutional trial. It's every citizen's responsibility to participate if called.

Answer 4

They pick the jurors according to the likelihood the jurors will feel sympathetic towards the plaintiff [civil trial] , or the defendent[criminal trial] and give him a break when deciding on the judgment .

Answer 5

Randomly.