The selection of jurors is a critical part of any criminal trial. Attorneys, such as a Brampton criminal law professional, are also known to use innovative tactics when selecting jurors who may further their case.
This voir dire process is governed by criminal law norms of legality that guarantee fairness. Here are eight tips that lawyers use to pick a jury strategically.
- Getting to know the Jurors
Jurors’ occupations, educational backgrounds and life experiences are analysed. In a case alleging sexual assault, for example, they might look to see whether a prospective juror has experience in social services. This helps them predict how a juror may feel about the case.
- Watching Body Language
Lawyers take stock of large numbers of people by watching how groups of citizens sit, move or respond to questions. If a juror appears uncomfortable discussing sexual assault allegations, that too could be biased. Amazing skills in criminal law enable lawyers to observe these minor signs to choose or eliminate jurors.
- Asking Open-Ended Questions
A criminal law specialist poses questions that allow jurors to speak freely. Such as: “What do you think of crime in your neighbourhood?” This helps lawyers understand how the juror feels and recognise any secret opinions that could later sway the trial.
- Checking for Bias
Attorneys are seeking jurors who may already hold strong opinions. And if someone believes that all the defendants are guilty, that individual wouldn’t be fair. In the tradition of legality in criminal law, attorneys pose questions to unearth and strike a biased juror.
- Building Trust with Jurors
As jury selection begins, a Brampton criminal law expert tries to establish rapport with the jurors. They are articulate and respectful. This helps the customers (aka jurors) get comfortable and provide truthful answers to questions, allowing the lawyer to figure out who should stay.
- Using Challenges Wisely
Lawyers have a set number of peremptory challenges to eliminate jurors. There are two kinds: for cause (a bigot sits on the jury) and peremptory (no reason necessary).
Brilliant criminal law skills enable lawyers to conserve peremptory challenges for jurors they feel uncomfortable about, but can’t persuade a prosecutor or judge that they are per se biased.
- Looking at Group Dynamics
A Brampton criminal law specialist considers how jurors might collaborate. They are seeking a variety of individuals who might be able to talk about the case fairly. For instance, they may shy away from picking too many strong personalities who could clash when it comes time to deliberate.
- Investigating Jurors’ Social Media Information
Attorneys tend to check the public social media profiles of jurors before the start of a trial. They scour posts for mentions of crime, police, or anything remotely related to the case. That helps them understand a juror’s perspective, particularly in weighty cases, including cases with sexual assault allegations.
Why These Secrets Matter
Jury selection can matter a great deal in the outcome of a trial. A Brampton criminal law specialist employs these tactics to create a balanced jury to hear the evidence. By doing these things, they are preserving their client’s rights and ensuring that the trial runs according to the law.
Conclusion
In sum, jury selection is a delicate art that demands finesse and preparation. Lawyers rely on these eight secrets to find jurors who are open-minded and can be impartial. With a criminal law expert in Brampton, who boasts impressive criminal law skills, you can be sure that justice is served in all cases.