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What rights does a prospective juror have if asked a self-incriminating question during voir dire?

What rights does a prospective juror have if asked a self-incriminating question during voir dire?

Q: What are two things jurors should never do?

Jurors should never discuss the case with anyone outside the jury, including family or friends, as this can compromise the trial's integrity. Additionally, jurors should not conduct independent research or seek information about the case outside of the courtroom, as this can lead to misinformation and bias.

Full question:

What rights does a prospective juror have if asked a self-incriminating question during voir dire?

Category: Courts
Date: 04/07/2025
State: California

Answer:

If you refuse to answer them, it will probably cost you your chance to serve and it is possible to be found in contempt of court. Please see the information at the following links:

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=464&invol=501

http://nowscape.com/fija/_dainb.htm

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What are the two kinds of challenges that can be made against prospective jurors during voir dire?

The two main types of challenges against prospective jurors during voir dire are 'for cause' challenges and 'peremptory' challenges. A 'for cause' challenge is made when a juror is deemed unfit to serve due to bias or inability to be impartial. A 'peremptory' challenge allows attorneys to dismiss a juror without stating a reason, though there are limits on the number of these challenges.

What happens if you say jury nullification on Reddit?

Discussing jury nullification on platforms like Reddit can lead to various reactions, including legal discussions or debates. However, it is important to remember that jury nullification is a complex legal concept that may not be well understood by all users. Mentioning it does not carry legal consequences, but it may raise questions about your views on the legal system.

What happens if I say I believe in jury nullification?

Expressing a belief in jury nullification during jury selection can lead to scrutiny from attorneys and the judge. While you cannot be penalized for your belief, it may affect your suitability as a juror. Attorneys may challenge your ability to remain impartial if they believe your views could influence your judgment in the case.

What is the process of questioning a prospective juror referred to as voir dire?

Voir dire is the legal process used to question prospective jurors to determine their suitability for serving on a jury. During this process, attorneys ask questions to assess potential biases, knowledge of the case, and ability to be impartial. The goal is to select jurors who can fairly evaluate the evidence presented during the trial.

What are two things jurors should never do?

Can you be held in contempt for mentioning jury nullification?

While mentioning jury nullification in a courtroom setting is not a direct cause for contempt, it can lead to challenges regarding your ability to serve as a juror. Judges may view such comments as indicative of bias, which could result in dismissal from the jury pool. It's essential to remain focused on the case at hand during jury selection.