Selecting the Jury in general

In general

As a first step in the jury-selection process, the judge will usually ask if any of the veniremen are acquainted with the victim, if there is one, with the defendant, or with any of the attorneys. The court will also ask the panel members if the length of time of the trial, possible sequestration of the jury, illness, or personal plans will affect their serving on the jury. Immediately following the judge's questioning, the prosecution will start its voir dire, usually by requesting information concerning each panel member's length of stay in the county, occupation, marital status, number of children, level of education, and prior jury service.FN80

In the course of its voir dire, counsel for both sides will attempt to create a rapport with the jury members, elicit information that might justify challenges for cause, and "pre-instruct" the jury, to the extent permitted by the local rules of practice and the judge.FN81

Where technical questions of computer science or accounting are a significant part of the prosecution's case, the prosecutor will normally ask questions of the jurors to determine if they feel competent to hear and evaluate such evidence.