While the great majority of personal injury matters are resolved without going to court, this is not the case in every situation. If your case goes to court, the jury selection procedure will almost certainly be one of the most crucial aspects of it.
The majority of people’s knowledge of jury selection is based on what they have seen on TV and in movies. Continue reading to learn more about real-life jury selection, and remember to call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas for a free legal consultation at 909-982-0707
Understanding the methodology
In both civil and criminal proceedings, the jury selection procedure is known as “voir dire.” This is an approximate translation of the French phrase “tell the truth.” This is the stage at which the jurors must be honest about any prejudices or ideas they may have that may impair their capacity to be fair and unbiased as jurors.
What exactly is a “Jury Pool”?
Jurors will be chosen from a “jury pool” to hear your case. This is a group of individuals who have been summoned to serve on a jury in the jurisdiction where the case will be heard. The court begins by asking them some basic questions, such as whether or not they are familiar with the plaintiff, defendant, or witnesses. A juror who is deemed unable to serve or incapable of being impartial will be excused by the court.
Both sides’ attorneys are allowed to ask questions
Following that, counsel for both the defendant and the plaintiff may question the jurors. Their purpose is the same as the judge’s: to find out whether the jurors have any concealed bias against their client. They may inquire as to whether they know anybody who has filed a personal injury claim or whether anyone in their family has ever worked for an insurance business.
If the attorney believes a jury is not capable of being fair and impartial, he or she might file peremptory challenges to have them dismissed. The jury will be chosen once both parties have exhausted their peremptory challenges.
The jury process depends on choosing the right attorney
Not every lawyer will be able to ask probing inquiries that would reveal a person’s underlying prejudices. When you engage with Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, you are working with a proven lawyer who has handled both settlements and jury trials. You can trust that, after decades of experience, he understands what questions to ask, how to evaluate a juror, and how to get the greatest jury possible to hear your case. To schedule a free legal consultation, call our offices at 909-982-0707 right away.
