Free Voir Dire Questions - District Court of Delaware - Delaware

Case 1:O7—cr—OO123-SLR Document 25 Filed O1/23/2008 Paget of 4
LINITED STATES OF AMERICA v. TARIREEF WH|'l'E
Crim. No. 07-123-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
United States v. Tarireef White. 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 two days.
The government is represented by l\/laitin C. l\/Ieltzer, Special 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 order 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. lf any member of the panel answers any question inthe
affirmative, please stand up and, upon being recognized by the court, state yourjuror
number. When I have concluded asking all the questions, we will call you to the bench
individually to speak with you about your affirmative response or responses.
1 HAVE CLERK ADNIINISTER THE OATH TO THE PANEL
W any member ofthe panel related to, or personally acquainted with, the
defendant, Tarireef White?

Case 1:O7—cr—OO123-SLR Document 25 Filed O1/23/2008 Page 2 of 4
As any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with, Martin
C. lvleltzer, Special Assistant United States Attorney, or with any other member of the
Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Delaware?
gis any member of the panel related to, or personally acquainted with, Eleni
Kousouls, Esquire, defendant’s counsel'?
% 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 list)
é 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?
g. Has any member of the panel ever been a witness to, victim of, or convicted
of a crime'?
/4. Has any member of the panel ever served as a juror in a criminal trial or on a
grand jury?
{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 yo have difficulty applying this rule of law?
jAnother 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
juror in thi case, will any of you have difficulty applying this rule of law?
O. Has any member of the panel, or a close friend or relative, ever been
2

""'“`“’C“ el 1TO7>‘cr—`O‘O123¥SLR"°D`6cument 25 Filed O1/23/2008 Page 3 of 4
/éagl-las any member of the panel, or a close friend or relative, ever had any bad
experiences with law enforcement agencies or officers?
%)oes any member of the panel believe they will give more or less weight to
the testimony of law enforcement officers?
/j4This 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'?
%Would the fact that the Wilmington City 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'?
1!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 ofthe jury in this
case?
17/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'?
3

Case 1:O7—cr—OO123-SLR Document 25 Filed O1/23/2008 Page 4 of 4
United States v. Tarireef White, 07-123-SLR
Witness List:
1. Scott Gula
2. Stewart Walker
3. Daniel Martinez
4. Scott Curley
5. Rodney l-legment
6. Donyelle Starkey
7. Sean Williams
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Case 1:07-cr-00123-SLR

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