Questions Lawyers Should Ask Potential Jurors to Ensure Competency

As a lawyer what questions would you ask potential jurors to ensure competency?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Prompt

• Your task is to imagine yourself as a lawyer selecting jurors.

• You need to propose thoughtful questions that would help determine whether a juror is competent, impartial, and fit to serve.

Step 2: Break Down the Core Requirements

• Think about competency in legal terms: impartiality, fairness, ability to follow instructions, and absence of bias.

• The paper should explore specific juror questions that would uncover these qualities.

Step 3: Structure Your Paper

1. Introduction

   • Introduce the importance of juror competency in trials.

   • State why lawyers must ask precise questions during voir dire (jury selection).

   • End with a thesis statement, e.g., “Asking the right questions helps ensure jurors are competent, unbiased, and able to deliver a fair verdict.”

2. Body Paragraphs

   • Paragraph 1: Background Questions

     • Example: “Have you ever served on a jury before?”

     • Purpose: Determines prior experience and possible preconceived notions.

   • Paragraph 2: Bias and Impartiality Questions

     • Example: “Do you believe the justice system treats everyone equally?”

     • Purpose: Identifies potential prejudice or distrust in the legal system.

   • Paragraph 3: Personal Connections

     • Example: “Do you or any close family members work in law enforcement?”

     • Purpose: Ensures personal relationships don’t affect objectivity.

   • Paragraph 4: Ability to Follow Law and Instructions

     • Example: “Would you be able to set aside personal beliefs to follow the law as instructed by the judge?”

     • Purpose: Confirms jurors can prioritize law over opinion.

   • Paragraph 5: Special Circumstances

     • Example: “Is there any reason you feel you cannot give this case your full attention?”

     • Purpose: Screens for health, financial, or emotional distractions.

3. Conclusion

   • Summarize why these questions matter.

   • Re-emphasize that competent jurors protect fairness and uphold justice.

Step 4: Writing Style Tips

• Use clear and professional tone (like a lawyer speaking to students).

• Provide examples with explanations.

• Keep sentences straightforward but analytical.

Step 5: Revise and Check

• Review your thesis → Does it connect all your points?

• Ensure each paragraph has one main idea.

• Proofread for clarity and flow.

Helpful Resources for Students

• Questions Lawyers Should Ask Potential Jurors to Ensure Competency appeared first on Skilled Papers.