Voir Dire & Jury Selection

1. Voir Dire & Jury Selection
Thomas M. Rockwell
Rockwell & Kaufman, LLC
7 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 694-1048
TMR@rockwellandkaufman.com

3. Introduction
•Forget myths
•Reject stereotypes
•Don’t try your case
•It’s not about you

4. De-Selection

5. Create Dialogue
•Communication is the word
•Elicit responses and more responses
•Listen
•Panel should talk much more than you
•Watch
•Be flexible
•Need assistance

6. Be Yourself

7. Build Rapport

8. Watching: Non-Verbal Communication

9. Explain Issues
•Don’t try your case
•Don’t argue
•No bias
•Simply explain the issues to be presented

10. De-Sensitize

11. Identifying Bias
•Takes time and discussion
•Don’t be afraid of responses
•Use open ended questions
•Look for strong personalities
•Obtain as much information as possible

12. Identifying Bias

13. Standard Topics

14. Striking for Cause

15. Striking for Cause

16. Striking for Cause

17. Conclusion