See the Special Juror Questionnaire on the George Floyd case.
In December, Hennepin County sent out a Special Juror Questionnaire to hundreds of prospective jurors in the Derek Chauvin (George Floyd) case. It includes 14 pages of questions regarding everything from knowledge of the case questions, media questions, and even questions about whether “discrimination is not as bad as the media makes it out to be” kinds of questions. Jack Rice Defense has a copy sitting in their offices. Click here for a copy. To be honest, it is not that much different than countless questionnaires Jack has asked potential jurors in criminal cases in Minnesota involving everything from domestic assault to rape to murder. However, there are certain questions that make this one unique and may even give some hints about how both sides will approach this trial. And yet, the Derek Chauvin case will also have the crushing weight of the world on it as it moves forward and it will be live.
As Jack puts it, “picking a jury means finding people who will see the world in a way that supports your theory of the case. Then tell your story that reflects that world view.”
Consider how you might answer some of these questions:
Have you ever been trained on how to restrain someone or use a chokehold?
How favorable or unfavorable are you about Blue lives Matter?
Have you or anybody close to you participated in protests about police use of force or police brutality?
Do you believe that the jury system in this country is a fair system?
Do you believe our criminal justice system works?
These are all questions that these potential jurors are going to have to contemplate. And yet, police brutality is an objective truth here in Minnesota and across the country. It has been historically documented in this country again and again. If you say that in your answer, does this disqualify you as a potential juror? How about the presumption of innocence? The Governor has already called it “murder” and the Mayor called for the officers’ arrests. Contemplate all of the pitfalls.
As a former prosecutor, Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist and Criminal Defense Attorney here in Minnesota, Jack Rice will be squeezing in media appearances between many of his own criminal cases. Jack is a sought after criminal defense lawyer in Minnesota with extensive media expertise and jury trial experience. Click here for a copy of the actual juror questionnaire.