Free Voir Dire Questions - District Court of Delaware - Delaware

( Case 1:07-cr-00046-SLR Document 37 Filed O3/12/2008 Paget of 4
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. CHAD MERCER
Crim. No. 07-046-SLR
VOIR DIRE
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. l am Judge Robinson and l will be
presiding over the trial for which a jury is about to be drawn in the case captioned
United States v. Chad Mercer. Briefly stated, this case involves charges relating to
possession of a firearm by a felon.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The trial in this case is expected to last no more than three days, although jury
deliberations may last longer than the three days allotted for trial. Our trial day will run
approximately from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The government is represented by Lesley F. Wolf, Assistant United States
Attorney.
The defendant is represented by Eleni Kousoulis, Esquire.
ln the light of this brief summary, I will ask the panel certain questions in orderto:
(1) enable the court to determine whether or not any prospective juror should be
excused for cause; and (2) enable counsel for the parties to exercise their individual
judgment with respect to peremptoiy challenges, that is, challenges for which no reason
need be given by counsel. lf any member ofthe panel answers any question in the
affirmative, please stand up and, upon being recognized by the court, state your juror
number. When l have concluded asking all the questions, we will call you to the bench
individually to speak with you about your affirmative response or responses.
HAVE CLERK ADMINISTER THE OATH TO THE PANEL

Case 1:07-cr-00046-SLR Document 37 Filed O3/12/2008 Page 2 of 4
1. ls any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with, the
defendant, Chad Mercer?
2. ls any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with, Lesley
F. Wolf, Assistant United States Attorney, or with any other member of the Office of the
United States Attorney for the District of Delaware?
3. ls any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with, Eleni
Kousoulis, Esquire, defendants counsel?
4. ls any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with, any of
the following individuals who might appear as witnesses in this case:
(See Attached Sheet)
5. Does any member of the panel have any personal knowledge of this case, or
have you read it or heard it discussed, or have an opinion regarding it?
6. Has any member of the panel ever been a witness to, victim of, or convicted
of a crime?
7. Has any member ofthe panel ever served as a juror in a criminal trial or on a
grand jury?
8. A fundamental principle of our legal system is that when a person is charged
with a criminal offense, he is presumed to be innocent unless and until the government
proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. lf you are selected as a juror in this case, will
any of you have difficulty applying this rule of law?
9. Another fundamental principle of our legal system is that a person charged
with a crime does not have to testify on his own behalf at trial. lf you are selected as a
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Case 1:07-cr-00046-SLR Document 37 Filed O3/12/2008 Page 3 of 4
juror in this case, will any of you have difficulty applying this rule of law?
10. Has any member of the panel, or a close friend or relative, ever been
employed by a law enforcement agency?
11. Has any member of the panel, or a close friend or relative, ever had any bad
experiences with law enforcement agencies or officers?
12. Does any member of the panel believe they will give more or less weight to
the testimony of law enforcement officers?
13. This case involves the charge of possession of a firearm by a felon. ls there
anything about the nature of this charge that would prevent you from being an impartial
juror?
14. Would the fact that the New Castle County, Delaware Police Department
and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the primary
investigating agencies in this case interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial
juror?
15. Does any member of the panel have any special disability or problems that
would make it difficult or impossible for you to serve as a member of the jury in this
case?
16. Does any member of the panel know of any other matter which you believe
should be called to the court's attention as having some bearing upon your
qualifications or ability to sit as a juror, or which you think may prevent you from
rendering a fair and impartial verdict based solely upon the evidence and my
instructions as to the law?
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Case 1:07-cr-00046-SLR Document 37 Filed O3/12/2008 Page 4 of 4
United States v. Chad Mercer, 07-046-SLR
Witness List:
1. Dale Lagace
2. Fred Oehler
3. James Watson, lll
4. Jose Jarillo
5. Scott Curley
6. Timothy Walker
7. Bob Abbott
8. Sean Williams
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