Does the voir dire process result in representative juries? ...

[berenicecastro]

Does the voir dire process result in representative juries?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Can most judges be considered truly impartial? Why do you feel this way?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[rachel]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Answers should identify and explain the various steps in the voir dire process. Answers here can focus on whether a jury panel truly represents the community, the limited number of peremptory challenges, the limitations on excusing prospective jurors for inappropriate bias reasons, and how adequate a short period of questioning is in determining the potential bias and prejudices of a juror.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Answers should address the idea that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to an impartial judge according to the Supreme Court. There can be no direct interest by the judge in the outcome of the case. An important point for discussion is that it is usually the judge who decides (upon challenge) whether he or she can be fair. The concepts of cause, peremptory challenge, and recusal should be addressed. Students should take a position and defend it in light of the above concepts.