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