Voir Dire and Related Ethical Issues
Hon. William LevensLeonard GilbertTim SullivanTripp BarlowRachael GreensteinLaura HowardSarah KayChris Torres
WelcomeHow to Get Out of Jury Duty
WelcomeYou Are Served
Rules, Statutes, & Case Law
• F. R. C. P. 47 – Selecting Jurors
• Fla. R. C. P. 1.431 – Trial Jury
Harrah v. Perez & SunCruz
Calling All Jurors!
(Un)Intentional behavior by jurors in contravention of jury instructions, including :
(1)exchanging information about the case with persons or sources outside the courtroom or jury room, or
(2)providing misinformation or disinformation during voir dire.
Addressing Juror Misconduct
New Trial Warranted?
1)The information is relevant and material;
2)The juror concealed the information; and
3)The failure to disclose not due to the complaining party’s lack of diligence
Addressing Juror Misconduct
• Juror Sympathy
• Failure to Disclose Education & Knowledge
• Failure to Disclose Prior Litigation History
Addressing Juror Misconduct
1. Googled Defendant
2. Posted re: Deliberations
3. Searched for Priors
4. Outside Consultation
5. Searched Excluded Evidence
Addressing Juror Misconduct
Addressing Juror MisconductCourtesy of the Casey Anthony
Trial
Ethical Considerations1. Communicating with
Witness2. Impugning the Judiciary3. Hypothetical Questions
(Facts v. Law of case)4. Normative Questions5. Identifying Racial,
Ethnic, or Gender Bias6. Discriminatory Use of
Peremptory Challenges
Ethical Considerations
• Fla. R. P. C. 4-3.5
• Fla. R. P. C. 4-8.2
• Fla. R. P. C. 4-8.4
Further Reading
Materials On Website
Toast