Justice Alito worries about improperly removing jurors with ‘traditional religious beliefs’ [More]
And if you think that’s a disqualifier, try going through voir dire on a gun case and admitting you’re an NRA member…
[Via Michael G]
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They asked if anyone had ever been a victim of a crime. Lots of hands went up. When asked i described having my handguns removed from my apartment by one of the complex’s employees. First question asked by any attorney for any of the prospective jurors was to me. “Are you a member of the NRA.” I responded “Yes.” It was the only thing I was asked and I was the first one excused from the jury pool.
Since then, whenever I don’t want to be on a jury, I wear any of my gun related shirts, Ruger, NRA, The Springfield one with the marine and his M14, doesn’t matter. I’m the first one out the door.
Years ago, I underwent the voir dire process on a trial that I found to be fascinating. A convicted felon that was in the business of trafficking drugs used a shotgun to defend himself against a customer who attempted to rob him at gunpoint. The drug dealer shot and killed the armed robber. The prosecutor repeatedly stated that there was no death penalty in play and most questions posed to potential jurors were targeted at determining whether they could be impartial and how much that they would trust the testimony of law enforcement officers vs. the defendant. A potential juror stated before the entry of the judge and attorneys into the courtroom that he would not be selected. When questioned by the prosecutor, that potential juror stated that he could not serve because of the Biblical command “not to judge lest ye be judged”. Potential juror dismissed as was most of the other potential jurors including myself. Back to the juror pool waiting area for the rest of the day.