The Louisiana Law Review Forum is an online extension of our print edition that is intended to foster legal education in Louisiana by engaging scholars and practitioners in interactive discussion of timely, relevant legal issues. The Forum publishes short commentaries on legal developments in Louisiana and beyond, as well as short responses to publications in [...]
Jury Selection–Law and Practice
Robert E. Kleinpeter, 71 La. L. Rev. F. 1 (April 1, 2011)
When selecting a jury, simply put, an attorney must identify and strike those potential jurors who will—no matter what the evidence—decide the case based on prejudices which are inconsistent with the client’s interests. To do so, you must accept that the fundamental purpose of voir dire is to learn all the trial court will allow you to learn about potential jurors within the time frame and scope of questioning allowed. In sum, you want to know all you can about prospective jurors’ opinions, biases, and their approaches to making decisions.
