jury selection

law

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The process of selecting jurors for a trial is called voir dire. This involves questioning potential jurors to identify any biases or preconceived notions about guilt or innocence. Both the judge and the attorneys for each party can question the veniremen.

During voir dire, parties can dismiss an unlimited number of jurors for cause, meaning there's a specific reason to believe they cannot be impartial. Additionally, they have a limited number of peremptory challenges, which allow them to dismiss a juror without stating a reason. This selection process is a crucial part of ensuring a fair trial by a jury of one's peers.12

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grand jury
Although the jury works closely with prosecutors, it is not formally under their control.
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Although the jury works closely with prosecutors, it is not formally under their control.
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jury
Selection
Historically, there were requirements of property and competence for jury service. The genuine random selection of jurors from the general population (to achieve a cross section of the community) gained ground and became the principle of selection in the federal courts and most state…
Read More
Historically, there were requirements of property and competence for jury service. The genuine random selection of jurors from the general population (to achieve a cross section of the community) gained ground and became the principle of selection in the federal courts and most state…
Read More