Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Starting in Fall 2013 and continuing until early 2014, students in the Clark College paralegal program, with oversight from Paralegal Program Director Layne Russell, Esq. and from two of the members of the Superior Court Bench Bar committee, Emily Sheldrick and Curtis Welch, interviewed eight of the ten Clark County Superior Court judges regarding many practical aspects of jury selection procedures. (The students did not interview Judge Veljacic because their interviews were completed before Judge Veljacic was sworn in on May 9, 2014. Also, even though Judge Rulli has substantial jury trial experience, the students did not interview Judge Rulli because he was presiding over Family Law cases during the time of the interview process, and had been for some time.)
The process of collecting the information from the judges involved the paralegal students, working in teams of two students, interviewing judges in person, asking the same questions to each judge, and writing down the judge’s answers. The accuracy of the answers was then verified with each judge.
The completed questionnaires for all Clark County Superior Court Judges are set forth below.
Please note that these published procedures are intended to provide a general overview of a judge’s preferred procedures for jury selection, and a judge may change those procedures over time, or may vary somewhat from the published procedures in a particular case.
*Note: This material was updated in July 2017 with the completed voir dire procedures questionnaires of Judge John P. Fairgrieve, Judge Derek J. Vanderwood, and Judge Bernard F. Veljacic, who were sworn in as Superior Court judges after the questionnaires of the other judges were published.
A printable version is available here.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge Suzan L. Clark
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- Yes. I have a standard list with common questions and I also accept input from counsel.
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case? If so, does the lawyer for each side have input into the content of the statement?
- Yes. I explain the case in civil matters and I accept input from counsel; in criminal cases I read the charges verbatim.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so? What other information does the Judge provide to the jurors before the lawyers begin their part of the voir dire process?
- I inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial. I introduce the parties on all sides and I introduce myself to the jurors. I will inform the jurors of expected witnesses and ask the jurors if they know any of the parties or witnesses.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- Counsel is free to move about during voir dire in my courtroom. Only one judge that I know of in Clark County requires use of the podium due to the physical structure of that courtroom (Dept 6).
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- I use both names and numbers to make a better record.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire? Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- In general I allow 20 minutes per side for voir dire. In more complex cases I am willing to negotiate with counsel. The prosecutor or plaintiff’s attorney goes first.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause? Are jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- I will wait until a break and deal with it outside of the jurors’ presence. Jurors are not present when challenges for cause occur.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges? Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper? If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time? Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- In my courtroom, peremptory challenges are handled with or without the jurors present in the courtroom. With the jurors present, lawyers will pass a clipboard back and forth. Without the jurors present, I will handle peremptory challenges in open court, not in writing, because it gets on the record and it is faster.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- No.
- Is there anything else you would like to add? Any pet-peeves?
- No.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge Scott A. Collier
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- Yes, general questions initially, and then more specific follow up if need be.
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case?
- Always, and it is written beforehand.
- If so, does the lawyer for each side have input into the content of the statement?
- Yes, it is reviewed with the lawyers beforehand.
- Always, and it is written beforehand.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so?
- Yes, this is done right away.
- What other information does the Judge provide to the jurors before the lawyers begin their part of the voir dire process?
- The information that is typically provided is the general nature of the case, the expected length of the case, orientation of the courthouse, and general instructions about the process.
- Yes, this is done right away.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- There are two to three places they may move to; in front of the jury box, the counsel table, and the podium. There are microphones at each of these locations.
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- No preference.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire?
- Depends on the case and this is discussed ahead of time. Jury selection typically takes 30-45 minutes per side; and more if we have to do individual questioning or if a questionnaire was allowed.
- Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- Always.
- Depends on the case and this is discussed ahead of time. Jury selection typically takes 30-45 minutes per side; and more if we have to do individual questioning or if a questionnaire was allowed.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause?
- Verbally, on the record outside the presence of the jurors.
- Are jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- No.
- Verbally, on the record outside the presence of the jurors.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges?
- Verbally on the record outside the presence of the jurors.
- Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper?
- No, because the jurors are not present we do it orally on the record.
- If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time?
- No, because the jurors are not present and we rotate strikes. No one does more than one at a time.
- Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- Yes.
- Verbally on the record outside the presence of the jurors.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- Yes on for cause strikes; we cover the entire panel. With peremptory challenges you only strike those that are in the box and presumptively sitting on the panel. Lastly we do the strikes for alternate jurors if any are being seated for the trial.
- Is there anything else you would like to add? Any pet-peeves?
- Getting argumentative with the jurors.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge John Fairgrieve
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- I typically ask preliminary questions of the jury which are suggested in the jury trial bench book. These include:
Do you know any of the attorneys or the plaintiff or defendants, or prospective witnesses?
Have you heard about this case?
Have you worked for law enforcement in the past?
Have you been a victim of these charges or been in a similar situation?
Are you related to anyone connected with the case?
Do you have any hardships with sitting on this case?
Do you have a physical disability which would prevent you from being a juror?
Are you unable or unwilling to follow instructions or follow the law?
I also accept input from counsel.
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case? If so, does the lawyer for each side have input into the content of the statement?
- Yes, for criminal cases I read a summary of the alleged crimes and for civil cases I read a summary provided by the parties.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so? What other information does the Judge provide to the jurors before the lawyers begin their part of the voir dire process?
- I inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial. I introduce the parties on all sides and I introduce myself to the jurors. I will inform the jurors of expected witnesses and ask the jurors if they know any of the parties or witnesses.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- Counsel is free to move about during voir dire in my courtroom. The only requirement is that the attorney needs to stay close to a microphone to make a clear record.
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- I use both names and numbers to make a better record unless there is a reason to use only numbers.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire? Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- I generally allow 30 minutes per side for voir dire. In more complex cases I am willing to give counsel additional time. The prosecutor or plaintiff’s attorney goes first.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause? Are jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- In open court, outside the presence of the jurors. Attorneys should try to make this type of challenge as soon as they have developed a record to support it.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges? Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper? If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time? Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- We use a clipboard passed back and forth between the attorneys. One strike at a time is allowed, then the clipboard is passed to the other attorney, the clerk, and then the judge. Peremptory challenges are generally exercised in the presence of the jurors.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- Yes.
- Is there anything else you would like to add? Any pet-peeves?
- Questions in voir dire should be designed to elicit information from prospective jurors in order to support a challenge for cause or to allow the party to intelligently use its peremptory challenges.
- Attorneys should generally avoid leading questions intended to “educate” jurors about legal concepts or their theory of the case during voir dire.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge Gregory M. Gonzales
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- Before asking questions of the entire panel, I will introduce the attorneys and their respective clients, introduce the court staff, and will pre-instruct the jury from the Washington Pattern Jury Instructions. I will provide a brief introductory statement for both civil and criminal cases. I will ask about ten or so questions regarding their past jury experience, knowledge of the case, parties, potential witnesses and attorneys, any hardship the prospective jurors may experience by serving on a jury, and other questions that may be case specific.
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case? If so, does the lawyer for each side have input into the content of the statement?
- As noted in question one, I do give a brief introductory statement. On a civil case and if parties agree, I may read a prepared statement about the facts of the case.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so?
- I will explain the estimated length of the trial as requested by the parties. I will ask if the length of the trial poses any hardship for the prospective jurors as well.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- I advise the attorneys in advance they may wander the courtroom. However, I caution the attorneys that our sound system may not pick up their voices. I ask that they project their voices.
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- I am currently using numbers. On occasion, I may mention their name to insure we have the correct person seated in the jury box.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire? Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- I allow at least forty minutes to start, and grant an additional five to fifteen minutes for follow up questions. On some trials, the voir dire may last much longer. Again, the time allotment is case specific. The plaintiff and prosecutor, respectfully, are asked initially to proceed with questions.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause? Are jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- The jurors are present during challenges for cause.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges? Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper? If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time? Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- The jurors are present during peremptory challenges. A clipboard is passed to the plaintiff/prosecutor. The attorney may either exercise a peremptory challenge or pass. The clipboard is shown to opposing counsel. The clipboard is then handed to the clerk and the judge. The clipboard is then handed to opposing counsel to either exercise a peremptory challenge or pass.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- The peremptory challenges are used toward the 12 persons seated in the jury box. Attorneys have challenged for cause prospective jurors seated outside the jury box.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge David E. Gregerson
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- I normally ask some “boilerplate” questions about whether any of the prospective jurors know the attorneys, the witnesses, judge or courthouse staff, etc. I also ask if they have any physical reason why they cannot give full effort and pay attention to the case. If the case is particularly sensitive (for example domestic violence), I will ask if anyone believes they cannot be an objective juror.
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case? If so, does the lawyer for each side have input into the content of the statement?
- Yes, normally that is ruled upon in advance so that there is a very brief explanation of what the case is about and what issues they will decide. The lawyers normally present an agreed version, but in the event of a disagreement, the judge makes the final ruling.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so?
- I normally do that.
- What other information does the Judge provide to the jurors before the lawyers begin their part of the voir dire process?
- I try to give them a “roadmap” of how the case will proceed, when expected breaks will take place, and whom to contact if they have any issues during the trial (bailiff).
- I normally do that.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- They normally ask from counsel’s table, but upon being given permission, I may let them move around.
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- I allow use of names unless there is good cause to require more neutral references, such as in a trial involving a high profile crime.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire?
- In a normal case, each side gets 30 minutes opening, with 15 minutes of rebuttal. I will expand that for special cases or circumstances.
- Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- Yes.
- In a normal case, each side gets 30 minutes opening, with 15 minutes of rebuttal. I will expand that for special cases or circumstances.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause?
- I prefer to handle them outside the presence of the jurors, if possible. The excused jurors are not informed of who sought their excusal or why. The plaintiff (or prosecutor) raises their challenges first, then the defense.
- Are the jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- Generally no.
- I prefer to handle them outside the presence of the jurors, if possible. The excused jurors are not informed of who sought their excusal or why. The plaintiff (or prosecutor) raises their challenges first, then the defense.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges?
- I normally handle them outside the presence of the jury, with the plaintiff (or prosecutor) starting, then alternating back and forth until they have exhausted their limit or accepted the panel.
- Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper? If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time?
- I try to do it outside the jury’s presence so we can do it openly on record. If not, we pass a notepad back and forth, alternating.
- Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- Yes, absent some compelling circumstances.
- I normally handle them outside the presence of the jury, with the plaintiff (or prosecutor) starting, then alternating back and forth until they have exhausted their limit or accepted the panel.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- Challenges for cause apply to the entire pool; peremptories only apply to those who are in the box (including alternates, if any).
- Is there anything else you would like to add? Any pet-peeves?
- No.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge Robert Lewis
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- Yes. I ask whether they have heard of the case before. Do they know any of the attorneys, witnesses or parties? Have they had any similar experiences? I ask about anything that would keep them from being able to fulfill their duty as jurors.
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case? If so, does the lawyer for each side have input into the content of the statement?
- Yes, for criminal cases I read a summary of the alleged crimes and for civil cases I read a summary provided by the parties.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so? What other information does the Judge provide to the jurors before the lawyers begin their part of the voir dire process?
- Prior to jury selection, I ask attorneys for an estimated length of trial. I provide this information to the jurors as part of my question about hardship excuses.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- There are no podiums in my courtroom. The attorney needs to stay close to a microphone. Other than that, the attorneys can move where ever they want in the courtroom.
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- Numbers, but when questioning a juror, an attorney can also call the juror by name.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire?
- No specific time limit, I allow general questioning in half hour blocks from side to side and I may grant additional time as needed.
- Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- Yes.
- No specific time limit, I allow general questioning in half hour blocks from side to side and I may grant additional time as needed.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause? Are the jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- In open court, in front of the jurors. I try to remind attorneys to make this type of challenge as soon as they have developed a record to support it. This allows for additional questioning of the juror and meaningful argument.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges? Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper? If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time? Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- We use a clipboard passed back and forth between the attorneys. One strike at a time is allowed, then the clipboard is passed to the other attorney, the clerk, and then the judge. Peremptory challenges are not exercised outside the presence of the jurors.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- Yes.
- Is there anything else you would like to add? Any pet-peeves?
- Attorneys should ask questions designed to actually elicit information about the juror.
- Don’t waste time with a lot of "head-nodding" questions. Do not use the process to make general statements, or to “educate” jurors, if you do, I may limit your time.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge Daniel L. Stahnke
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- I ask general preliminary questions such as, does anyone know any of the parties, witnesses or attorney offices.
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case? If so, does the lawyer for each side have input into the content of the statement?
- I do read a short statement of the case and yes the attorneys have input into that statement.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so? What other information does the Judge provide to the jurors before the lawyers begin their part of the voir dire process?
- I tell the potential jurors the anticipated length of the trial.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- Counsel may move around the room for questioning.
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- I do not use juror number cards, jurors are referred to by name.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire? Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- I typically will allow 30 minutes for questioning.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause? Are jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- Challenges for cause are made after all questioning and the jurors are out of the court room on a break.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges? Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper? If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time? Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- Peremptory challenges are exercised outside the presence of the jurors. The attorneys verbally make peremptory challenges by alternating. By way of example, State 1st challenge, Defense 1st challenge, State 2nd challenge, Defense 2nd challenge, so on and so forth.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- I do not allow peremptory challenges of potential jurors outside the box.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge Derek Vanderwood
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- Yes. The specific questions depend on the case, but the following questions are typically asked in every case:
Have any of you heard of this case before?
Has anyone ever expressed to any of you an opinion concerning this case?
Do any of you know the Defendant, Plaintiff, or any of the lawyers on either side of this case?
Do any of you know me?
Do any of you know any of the following persons who might be called as witnesses?
Do any of you know anyone who is in this group of potential jurors?
Have any of you had any personal experience with a similar or related type of case or incident?
Are any of you connected in any way with the court system?
Are any of you connected in any way with the criminal justice system?
This trial is estimated to last approximately ______ days. Does that create a significant hardship for anyone?
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case?
- Yes.
- If so, does the lawyer for each side have input into the content of the statement?
- Yes. The judge provides a draft statement of the case that is reviewed with counsel for comment and suggested changes.
- Yes.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so?
- The judge does. See standard questions asked by the judge above.
- What other information does the Judge provide to the jurors before the lawyers begin their part of the voir dire process?
- Standard instruction based on WPIC 1.01 is provided.
- The judge does. See standard questions asked by the judge above.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- Counsel is allowed to move around the courtroom.
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- Each juror is given a number. The judge allows counsel to decide whether to use the number or name. The judge usually references both the number and the name during his portion of jury selection.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire?
- The length of time varies depending on the case, but typically 30-45 minutes per side is allowed.
- Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- Yes.
- The length of time varies depending on the case, but typically 30-45 minutes per side is allowed.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause?
- Cause challenges are typically handled with the entire jury pool present. Either counsel may raise a challenge for cause at any point in the jury selection process.
- Are the jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- Typically, yes.
- Cause challenges are typically handled with the entire jury pool present. Either counsel may raise a challenge for cause at any point in the jury selection process.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges?
- Peremptory challenges are handled outside the presence of the jury in open court. The plaintiff begins, followed by the defendant, until all challenges are utilized.
- Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper?
- No. A process of passing a clipboard is not used.
- If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time?
- N/A
- Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- Yes.
- Peremptory challenges are handled outside the presence of the jury in open court. The plaintiff begins, followed by the defendant, until all challenges are utilized.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- Only for cause challenges. Peremptory challenges apply only to those in the jury box at the time the challenge is utilized.
Clark County Superior Court Jury Selection Procedures
Judge Bernard F. Veljacic
- Does the Judge ask preliminary questions of the jurors? If so, what preliminary questions does the Judge ask?
- Yes. Judge Veljacic asks general questions of the jurors on the following topics: jurors’ knowledge of the case, parties, and potential witnesses; jurors’ personal and family members’ experience with the type of case; jurors’ personal or familial connection with the courts, law enforcement, or the administration of justice.
- Does the Judge read a short statement to the jurors regarding the nature of the case?
- Judge Veljacic does not read a short statement regarding the nature of the case, but does read the titles of the charges or causes of action.
- Does the Judge inform the jurors of the expected length of the trial, or does the Judge leave it up to the lawyers to do so?
- The Judge informs the jurors of the expected length of the trial after inquiring of counsel as to their expectations.
- What other information does the Judge provide to the jurors before the lawyers begin their part of the voir dire process?
- The judge gives general information such as when breaks will occur and where to park for subsequent trial days.
- The Judge informs the jurors of the expected length of the trial after inquiring of counsel as to their expectations.
- Does the Judge require counsel to stand in place at the podium during the voir dire or may counsel move around during the process?
- Judge Veljacic does not require counsel to stand in place at the podium during voir dire, but will remind attorneys to stand near one of the microphones to be certain their presentations are captured on the record.
- What is the Judge’s preference between using juror names or numbers for jurors?
- Judge Veljacic will ask that attorneys to use numbers to ease tracking of jurors’ responses; attorneys may use names as well.
- How much time does the Judge allow for voir dire?
- The Judge allows, on average, 30 minutes per side for voir dire, plus 10 additional minutes of follow up. This time is adjusted, however, based upon the particular case.
- Does the plaintiff’s lawyer/prosecutor always begin with the questioning?
- Yes, plaintiff/prosecutor always begins questioning.
- The Judge allows, on average, 30 minutes per side for voir dire, plus 10 additional minutes of follow up. This time is adjusted, however, based upon the particular case.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle challenges for cause?
- Judge Veljacic handles challenges for cause in open court, at the end of voir dire, in the presence of the jury, to allow the non-moving party to attempt rehabilitation of the juror. In some cases, the Judge has allowed questioning outside the presence of the other jurors, but this is rare.
- Are the jurors present when strikes for cause occur?
- Yes, the jurors are present when strikes for cause occur.
- Judge Veljacic handles challenges for cause in open court, at the end of voir dire, in the presence of the jury, to allow the non-moving party to attempt rehabilitation of the juror. In some cases, the Judge has allowed questioning outside the presence of the other jurors, but this is rare.
- How does the Judge prefer to handle peremptory challenges?
- Judge Veljacic handles peremptory challenges using the tried and true “passing of the clipboard” method. This does result in the recording of each party’s challenge on paper. Peremptory challenges are thus exercised in open court, on paper, but not orally.
- Does the Judge prefer that peremptory challenges be exercised on paper?
- Yes.
- If done on paper, does the lawyer take one strike and pass the paper to the other side’s lawyer, or is more than one strike taken at a time?
- Strikes are one at a time, with Plaintiff/Prosecution striking first as follows: P strikes, Bailiff shows clipboard to D, Bailiff shows clipboard to Court; D strikes, Bailiff shows clipboard to P, Bailiff shows clipboard to Court…and so on.
- Are peremptory challenges exercised outside the presence of jurors?
- Jurors are present.
- Judge Veljacic handles peremptory challenges using the tried and true “passing of the clipboard” method. This does result in the recording of each party’s challenge on paper. Peremptory challenges are thus exercised in open court, on paper, but not orally.
- Does the Judge allow striking of jurors seated outside of the jury box?
- Yes, the Judge allows strikes, for cause, of jurors seated outside of the jury box.
- Is there anything else you would like to add? Any pet-peeves?
- Judge Veljacic’s only additional advice: speak up so the microphones pick up what you are saying; always make sure you’re facing a microphone. Be prepared and do your best!
