Assignment 1 (1/4 page) ask Netta 1 question cite one reference Netta posted Dec 11, 2024 10:10 PM
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The selection of unbiased jurors is critical for guaranteeing a fair trial in the Arkansas bus collision case. A juror’s ability to stay unbiased, uncover potential prejudices, and ensure that each jury can fairly examine the evidence and apply the law are all considered through the important procedure of voir dire.
1. Could you clarify your personal or professional experiences with auto accidents, especially those that include buses or other public transportation?
Rationale: This question seeks to identify any potential biases based on past personal or professional experiences. A juror with a history involving bus accidents may have preconceived notions about liability, negligence, or damages.
2. Do you have any family members or close friends who are employed as bus drivers, work for transportation companies, or have connections to state or local transit authorities?
Rationale: A jury having connections to the transportation industry might show hidden prejudice in the defendant’s favor, which could affect their ability to give an unbiased verdict on negligence or responsibility.
3. How do you feel about lawsuits seeking compensation for injuries or damages resulting from accidents?
Rationale: This question probes the juror’s attitudes toward civil litigation and damages claims. Some jurors may believe that such lawsuits are frivolous or excessive, which could prejudice their views on awarding compensation.
4. If the evidence shows that multiple parties share responsibility for the collision, would you be able to apportion liability among them fairly?
Rationale: This question looks at the jurors’ ability to comprehend and apply the idea of mutual negligence, or fault distribution, without favoring one party over another.
5. Can you commit to evaluating the evidence presented in this case based solely on the facts and legal instructions, without being influenced by sympathy for either party or preconceived opinions about large settlements?
Rationale: Ensuring jurors can separate emotional reactions from legal analysis is essential in cases involving injuries, potential fatalities, and claims for significant damages.
References
Goldman, T. F., & Hughes, A. H. (2019). Civil Litigation (4th ed.). Pearson. Retrieved from Purdue University Global Bookshelf: Civil Litigation
Orlik, D. K. (2014). Ethics for the Legal Professional (8th ed.). Pearson. Retrieved from Purdue University Global Bookshelf: Ethics for the Legal Professional
Walston-Dunham, B. (2020). Introduction to Law (7th ed.). Cengage Learning. Retrieved from Purdue University Global Bookshelf: Introduction to Law
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Assignment 2 (1/4 page) ask AJ 1 question cite one reference A.J. posted Dec 12, 2024 10:51 AM
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If I were drafting voir dire questions for jurors in this case, I would want to ensure that the selected jurors had no prior bias that may preempt them to side with the defense. By rooting out any biases, the legal team can ensure they’re fighting the case on fair grounds. Here are 5 questions that I may use to try and find any biases:
Did you read any details regarding this case before coming to jury duty? If so, what have you learned so far?
Have you or someone close to you ever worked for a trucking company?
Do you have school-aged children? If so, do they ride the bus to school?
Have you or someone close to you ever been seriously injured in a traffic accident? If so, what was the nature of the accident and the injury?
In general, do you think a corporation should be responsible for the actions of its employees? Why or why not?
Reference
Goldman, T.F. & Hughes A.H. (2019). Civil Litigation: Process and Procedures. ——————————————————————————–
Assignment 3 (1/4 page) ask Patrick 1 question cite one reference
Patrick posted Dec 12, 2024 11:20 AM
1. Have you or anyone close to you ever worked in the trucking industry?
A. The reason I would ask this question is because if the juror was a truck driver, or very close to a truck driver they could sympathize with the trucking company. I truck driver might see himself in the shoes in the defendant creating a bias
2. Do you typically trust information presented by government agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board?
A.The reason I would ask this question is because the defense will most likely attempt to dispute the claims made in the NTSB report
3.Do you or does anyone close to you own a business?
A.The reason I would ask this question is because a business owner could sympathize with the defendant realizing that small businesses can be destroyed by lawsuits, especially if they are found liable
4. If the defendant’s actions were negligent but not intentional, do you believe they should still be held accountable for the resulting damages?
A. The reason I would ask this question is to ensure that the juror saw justice assigning liability for damages even if the defendant had no intent of wrongdoing.
5. What is your profession or retired profession?
A. The reason I would ask this question is because a person’s profession usually creates biases in their way of thinking. For example, a teacher would be more likely to find sympathy for the plaintiff and a mechanic would be more likely to find sympathy for the defendant.
My only experience with jury duty was in the state of Colorado. My number was called, and I was brought into the courtroom with several other potential jurors. It was for a criminal case in which the defendant had been accused of driving under the influence. The judge gave instructions to us and explained the importance of jury duty. I was questioned about my profession and how much trust I placed law enforcement officers. Eventually I was excused from jury duty, although I don’t know why. I was relieved to have been excused but at the time I was much younger and didn’t aspire to work in the legal field. Now looking back, it would have been a great experience to sit in a jury for a criminal case
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Assignment 4 Ask Chelsea 1 question cite 1 reference Chelsea posted Dec 12, 2024 4:45 PM
1. Have you or anyone you know ever been employed by and/or associated with Gayle Stewart Trucking, Inc.?
2. Do you have any affiliation with Mountainburg, Arkansas, Public Schools?
3. Have you ever lost a child and/or family member due to a vehicular accident?
4. Have you ever been in a vehicular accident involving a tractor-trailer or school bus?
5. Have you ever worked as a truck and/or school bus driver?
6. Do you know or have any affiliation with any of the individuals injured in the bus collision?
7. Do you personally know any of the parties involved in this case, including the attorneys?
Reference Goldman, T. F., & Hughes, A. H. (2018). Civil Litigation (4th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://purdueuniversityglobal.vitalsource.com/books/9780134831138
National Transportation Safety Board. 2002. Collision Between Truck-Tractor Semitrailer and School Bus Near Mountainburg, Arkansas, on May 31, 2001. Highway Accident Report. NTSB/HAR-02/03. https://kapextmediassl-a.akamaihd.net/legal/PA110/PA110_2002A/NTSB_Report.pdf