Jury Auditions
August 4th, 2008 Posted in Digital Litigation Solutions, From the Team, Legal Videography, Legalsized Blog, Trial Consultants“It was just like an episode of Law & Order,” said a recent New York juror who happens to be an actor and originally a Los Angeles native. In his recent blog post, Jason Griffin likened his experience in the jury box to a day on the set. Under California Law, actors are considered freelance workers and are excused from their civic duty by reason of financial hardship. This is not the case, however in the Empire State.
It’s fair to say that some people have ‘acted’ their way out of jury duty by exaggerating hardships or conspicuously conveying a bias in order to be dismissed from service. What is stopping a crucial swing vote from ‘acting’ his or her way into one of those twelve seats in order to pursue an ulterior motive? That is exactly what was portrayed in John Grisham’s hit book/movie Runaway Jury. I know it was just a movie, but the reality is Los Angeles has always had an inappropriate relationship with the fiction of Hollywood. What’s the old saying: the truth is stranger than fiction?
How does the justice system keep jury pools free from those who simply want to act the part? The process of Voi dire is meant to eliminate unfit jurors, but I’m sure somehow, somewhere, some would-be actor or actress made the final cut and gave an award-winning performance as juror number 3, or even foreperson!
Most willing jurors will be on their best behavior during Voi dire and say what they think attorneys want to hear; much like an actor would do during an audition. Attorneys already act much like producers when interviewing potential jurors, selecting only the best ‘talent’ for their case strategy.
The modern juror is a savvy critic with a degree from Tinsel Town. He measures the attorneys’ performance during arguments just as the attorney measures the juror during Voi dire. I believe that citizens are generally unbiased, good-natured civil servants that take their duty very seriously, however, the Hollywood factor or ‘CSI Effect’ may be affecting people’s attitude toward jury service and that is something that deserves a closer look.
5 Responses to “Jury Auditions”
By Scott Biggio on Aug 4, 2008
I loved the movie Runaway Juror, and I guess the scary part is it didn’t seem so far fetched. When oil, tobacco, and gun companies stand to millions of dollars it makes sense they might try a few shady tactics. I think the line from the movie was: “this verdict is to important to leave to chance” It has to have happened…
By Alle on Aug 4, 2008
I have always thought of creative excuses to get off of being on a jury, but never thought of people giving excuses to get on them.. Interesting..
By san on Aug 4, 2008
This may sound really simplistic, but I believe it is a citizen’s duty to serve on a jury…and even more simplistic…I believe one answers both questions from both sides during voi dire honestly…so there can be an honest evaluation of the juror’s biases, proclivities and views.
By Bud Colburn on Aug 5, 2008
I have served on juries twice, first case was solved before we got to render a verdict because they settled out of court. Second time I got called but was never placed on a jury, it was 50 years apart. Personally I enjoyed the first time and was disappointed we didn’t get to rener a verdict. Can’t understand why people are too “busy” to perform their civic duty, they should consider it a privilege to serve.
By connie on Aug 5, 2008
Very interesting…You never really think about those who want to be on juries a la Runaway Jury!