UJI 14-120. Voir dire of jurors by court.

PROSPECTIVE JURORS: This is a criminal case in which the defendant(s) ________________________ [is] [are]2 charged with ________________________3 (offense charged). If chosen as jurors, you will decide whether ________________________ (name of defendant) is not guilty or guilty. ________________________ (name of defendant) is presumed innocent. The burden is on the state to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. At this time you will be asked some questions. You should remember that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. The best answer is the most honest answer. If you would prefer not to answer any question in front of other people, please tell us and we will address your concern privately. You have previously given answers on a questionnaire given you by the court clerk. You may also add to your answers to those questions if your memory is refreshed about those questions here in open court.4 [Though not required, before the attorneys ask questions, the court might ask preliminary questions. For example: 1. The state is represented by ________________________ (name of attorney). How many of you are familiar with ________________________ (name of attorney)? [What is your attitude about sitting on the case in which ________________________ (name of attorney) is representing one of the parties?]5 2. The defendant is represented by ________________________ (name of attorney). How many of you are familiar with ________________________ (name of attorney)? [What is your attitude about sitting on the case in which ________________________ (name of attorney) is representing one of the parties?]5 3. The defendant is ________________________ (name of defendant). How many of you are familiar with ________________________ (name of defendant)? What is your attitude about sitting on this case given your familiarity with ________________________ (name of defendant)?5 4. Without saying what you have seen or heard, how many of you have seen or heard anything about this case from any source whatsoever, including news media, radio, television, internet, or from any other person? (Those jurors who have received information should be questioned privately.)5 5. It is estimated that this case will last ________________________ (length of trial). Do any of you feel that you would be caused an undue hardship by sitting in this case for that time? [What is your hardship? What would be your attitude if chosen to sit in the case?]6 6. Is there any other reason that any of you feel you should not sit on this case? The attorneys may question the jurors.]7