Struck Jury: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Definition and Selection

Definition & Meaning

A struck jury is a jury formed from a list of potential jurors after both parties in a legal case have the opportunity to remove individuals they do not want serving on the jury. This process involves the selection of jurors from an original panel, typically consisting of 48 members, which is reduced to the required number of 12 jurors. The parties may strike names for specific reasons, including hardship or cause, through a process known as voir dire. The party requesting a struck jury is responsible for the associated fees, which are not reimbursed unless the court acknowledges the necessity of a struck jury and allows for cost recovery from the opposing party.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(hypothetical example) In a civil lawsuit involving a car accident, the plaintiff and defendant each review a list of potential jurors. The plaintiff strikes individuals who may have biases against personal injury claims, while the defendant removes those who appear sympathetic to the plaintiff. After both parties complete their strikes, the final jury is selected from the remaining candidates.

State-by-state differences

State Struck Jury Process
California Allows for a struck jury with specific rules on the number of strikes.
Texas Has different procedures for jury selection and striking jurors.
New York Struck jury processes are governed by state-specific regulations.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
Regular Jury A jury selected without the option for parties to strike names from the list.
Voir Dire The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability.
Grand Jury A jury that determines whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime, different from a struck jury.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a legal case where a struck jury may be necessary, consider the following steps:

  • Consult with a legal professional to understand the implications of requesting a struck jury.
  • Review potential jurors carefully and identify any biases that may affect your case.
  • Utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to prepare any necessary documentation related to jury selection.

In complex cases, seeking professional legal assistance is advisable.

Quick facts

  • Typical jury size: 12 members
  • Original panel size: 48 members
  • Fees: Paid by the requesting party
  • Common legal areas: Civil and criminal cases

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A struck jury allows parties to remove jurors from consideration, while a regular jury does not provide this option.