For criminal defense work, I always like to find a reasonably intelligent jury nullifier in the jury pool though. Even though I know he will get struck, he can be used during voir dire to get some ideas into the head of those that will make the cut.
Who should be on a Jury?
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Berzerker
Deity
people capable of judging the facts of the case and the law itself, ie, the morality or immorality of both the law and the punishment (if any).
any hope of obtaining justice requires all of the above
any hope of obtaining justice requires all of the above
Formaldehyde
Both Fair And Balanced
I'm glad I wasn't put in a position where I had to gauge the morality of the law. It was difficult enough finding someone guilty of what I consider to be a very serious felony. If it had been a drug-related case or one where the death penalty might be involved, I would have tried to get myself excluded.
How do I communicate I'm okay with jury nullification to you, while not making it clear to the Prosecution?
Brian Shanahan
Permanoob
Blink it out in morse code.
Rashiminos
Fool Prophet
Make some sort of random movement during the proceedings that is open to multiple unclear interpretations.
Quackers
The Frog
Do the universal sign of jury nullification is A-ok.
How didn't you know that?
How didn't you know that?
You can't. All you can do is provide neither side a reason. Both sides are striking the ideal jurors for the other side, so the less you stick out, the better your chances of getting on the jury.
KMRblue1027
Deity
I would prefer professionals rather then some guy off the street. With the current system I can get selected for jury duty once I turn 18 even though I have both ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. I know for a fact that I couldn't stand being in a court for a full trial but unfortunately I'm quite intelligent (IQ of 135) so I am a likely candidate. 
Voir dire isn't an IQ test.I would prefer professionals rather then some guy off the street. With the current system I can get selected for jury duty once I turn 18 even though I have both ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. I know for a fact that I couldn't stand being in a court for a full trial but unfortunately I'm quite intelligent (IQ of 135) so I am a likely candidate.
Why do people think having a high IQ means you are a good juror or something. Being a good juror just means you pay attention, can be fair, and can follow instructions.
Lawyers get kicked off of jury panels all the time. In fact they are often some of the first ones to go precisely for the high likelihood they will not meet the rigorous criteria stated in my second sentence.
Lawyers get kicked off of jury panels all the time. In fact they are often some of the first ones to go precisely for the high likelihood they will not meet the rigorous criteria stated in my second sentence.
Yep, I almost always strike lawyers and I have always got struck.
Skwink
FRIIIIIIIIIITZ
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Perfection
The Great Head.
Let's just find some wise old guy and do what he says.
Berzerker
Deity
I'd have no problem lying to a prosecutor about my beliefs wrt jury nullification, but thats illegal too and they'd go after me if I made the jury and acquitted based on an immoral law.
Lying aint always immoral
sometimes morality requires it
Lying aint always immoral
sometimes morality requires it
KMRblue1027
Deity
Oh I know I'll be a terrible Juror I'm just stating that because I'm smart I'll likely be picked.
Formaldehyde
Both Fair And Balanced
I doubt you would make it past voir dire. They specifically asked a number of questions about ADHD and other medical conditions which may affect your service on a jury.
KMRblue1027
Deity
Well that's good to know, I'll still have to drag myself to the courthouse for a week though.
No one will ask you how smart you are during voire dire.
MobBoss
Off-Topic Overlord
Sure, the simple fact that juries across the USA have people serve on them from all walks of life each and every day.
Jury selection process isnt a subversion of the process, but rather a valid attempt to ensure a fair trial for the accused.
Sure, and I see it occur all the time in Courts Martial and admin board procedure. Please try to remember I am a legal professional.
I guess where we differ is that I dont think your general citizen of the USA 'incompetent and bigoted' by default.
Actually, having been called a number of times, I claimed military exclusion for training purposes.
But to be honest, your're completely ignorant of whether I would make it past voir dire or not.
Ah...so you did (allegedly) make the cut. No wonder there is some elitism in your opinion about the average person serving on a jury.
Serves once on a jury and is now an expert on voir dire.
Bottom line, if you want to get yourself cut, you can; but if you want to serve, just be honest. Selection differs from case to case and utterly dependent upon those lawyers making the selections. For example, if you or someone close to you had been raped odds are you would be cut from a case involving rape because of potential personal bias. But you might be selected for a case involving drugs for instance. But you never know what case you may be screened for prior to being put into the pool.Its a learning experience that I think everyone should go through at least once.
Here is truth.
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