Free Voir Dire Questions - District Court of Delaware - Delaware

Case 1:04-cv-00193-SLR

Document 142

Filed 06/26/2008

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Anibal Melendez v. Nate Gardels and Michael Allen,
Civ. No. 04-193-SLR


VOIR DIRE


Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I am Judge Robinson, and I will be presiding over the trial for which a jury is about to be drawn in the case captioned Anibal Melendez v. Nate Gardels and Michael Allen. Briefly stated, this case is a civil action brought by plaintiff Anibal Melendez against the defendants Nate Gardels and Michael Allen. The trial is expected to last from today until tomorrow; however, jury deliberations may require you to be present longer. Our trial days will run approximately 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Plaintiff is represented by Edward M. McNally and Jason C. Jowers, attorneys with Morris James LLP. Defendants are represented y Catherine Damavandi, an attorney with the State of Delaware. In light of this brief summary, I will ask you certain questions, the purpose of which is to: (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 peremptory challenges, that is, challenges for which no reason need be given by counsel. If any of you respond "yes" to any of the questions, please stand up and, upon being recognized by the court, state your juror number. When I have concluded asking all the questions, we will call you to the jury room to speak with you about your affirmative response or responses. HAVE CLERK ADMINISTER THE OATH TO THE PANEL

Case 1:04-cv-00193-SLR

Document 142

Filed 06/26/2008

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Is any member of the panel related to the plaintiff Anibal Melendez? Is any member of the panel related to the defendants Nate Gardels or

Michael Allen or personally acquainted with any o'fficer, director, or employee of, or ever done business with, the Delaware Department of Correction? 3. Do you or any member of your family have any relationship or significant

feelings for or against the State of Delaware, its departments, divisions of offices? 4. Have you or any member of your immediate family been held in custody in

any correctional facility? 5. Is any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with Mr.

McNally or Mr. Jowers, plaintiffs attorneys, or ever been represented by them or by any associate or member of their law firm, Morris James LLP? 6. Is any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with Ms.

Damavandi, defendants' attorney or ever been represented by her or by any associates or member of the Delaware Department of Justice? 7. Is any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with, any

of the following individuals who might appear as witnesses in this case: Arribal Melendez Brian Stewart Curtis Evans Nate Gardels Michael Allen Thomas Seacord Michael McCreanor 2

Case 1:04-cv-00193-SLR

Document 142

Filed 06/26/2008

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Jeremy McEntire
Dr. Raman Gopalakrishnan
Robert Harris
Ron Hosterman
James Scarborough
Cindy Wright
8. Does any member of the panel have any personal knowledge of this case,

or have you read or heard it discussed, or have an opinion regarding it? 9. Has any member of the panel ever been a plaintiff, a defendant, or a

witness in a civil lawsuit? 10. 11. Has any member of the panel ever served as a juror in a civil lawsuit? Does any member of the panel have any experience with, or knowledge

of, the Delaware Correctional Center? 12. Does any member of the panel have any special disability or problem that

would make it difficult or impossible for you to serve as a member of the jury in this case? 13. Do you 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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