Jury Research Institute

Voir Dire

Pretrial Preparation Techniques for an Effective Voir Dire

Questionnaires

Questionnaires for prospective jurors are extremely effective for soliciting background information. Courts are permitting lawyers to use them with greater frequency and fewer restrictions. They cover far more information than oral voir dire can and, surprisingly, the information is generally very candid and insightful. Many jurors find it easier to express themselves on paper than in open court, and they elaborate in response to questions, which might otherwise receive only one word replies.

Questionnaires Can Save Time. When developed and administered effectively, questionnaires generally save court time. Judges find them useful in expediting hardship requests. In complex cases with many important issues to cover with jurors, or in cases involving multiple parties, they can be a very helpful tool.