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<br />VOIR-DIRE <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Prior to the implementation of the new jury selection process, <br />a formalized voir-dire procedure did not exist. Questioning <br />of prospective jurors was conducted in the following manner: <br /> <br />· ~uror cards were pulled once a month <br /> <br />. Attorneys reviewed, information written on cards and <br />made their decisions about who would be called in as <br />prospective jurors at that time. This process is <br />defined as peremptory challenges. <br /> <br />· At the time of trial, a short voir-dire process was <br />conducted by the judge and/or the attorneys. During <br />this short voir-dire, the only basis for challenging <br />jurors was "for cause." Challenges for cause mean the <br />removal of a potential juror because the juror has an <br />interest in the case, or a bias or prejudice against <br />the defendant or his cause. <br /> <br />Subsequent to the implementation of the new jury selection <br />process, a more formalized voir-dire procedure was instituted. <br />Voir-dire is conducted by the Municipal Court Judge. <br />Questioning of prospective jurors is conducted in t'he fo~lowing <br />manner: <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />· Questionnaires, which have been completed by the prospective <br />jurors, are given to both defense counsel and prosecution. <br /> <br />. Defense counsel and prosecution are allowed two peremptory <br />challenges. <br /> <br />· The judge asks both parties if they have any questions <br />they wish to be asked of the prospective jurors. The <br />questions can be written or submitted orally to the <br />judge. This occurs before jurors enter the courtroom. <br /> <br />. The judge conducts voir-dire by asking questions of the <br />panel as a whole. If a juror raises his/her hand to a <br />question, the judge asks additional questions of that juror. <br /> <br />. When voir-dire is completed, the judge asks defense and <br />prosecution for the first peremptory challenge. Challenges <br />for cause can occur anytime during the voir-dire process. <br />Voir-dire continues until a panel of six jurors is selected. <br /> <br />- <br />