Voir dire is the process of selecting a jury. This process occurs in those cases in which there is the need for a jury, as opposed to a bench trial where the judge serves as the jury. In the voir dire process, prosecutors and defense attorneys ask members of the or affection, or for any reward, or the promise or hope thereof, but that you will present the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, according to the best of your skill and understanding. So help you God.

(5) Charge to the Grand Jury.

After the grand jury has been impaneled and sworn, the judge shall instruct it concerning its powers and duties and the relevant law….

(d) Powers of the Grand Jury.

The grand jury has inquisitorial powers over and has the authority to return a presentment-of all indictable or presentable offenses found to have been committed or to be triable within the county. At all proper hours, the grand jurors are entitled to free access to all county offices and buildings and to examine, without charge, all records and other papers of any county officers in any way connected with the grand jurors duties.

(e) Duties of the Grand Jury.

It is the duty of the grand jury to:

(1) inquire into, consider, and act on all criminal cases submitted to it by the district attorney general;

(2) inquire into any report of a criminal offense brought to its attention by a member of the grand jury;

(3) inquire into the condition and management of prisons and other county buildings and institutions within the county;

(4) inquire into the condition of the county treasury;

(5) inquire into the correctness and sufficiency of county officers bonds;

(6) inquire into any state or local officers abuse of office;and

(7) report the results of its actions to the court.

jury pool questions to determine whether or not they want those jurors to remain on the jury pool. In federal court, the judge often asks most of the questions. For example, if a prospective juror clearly indicates that they are biased either for or against law enforcement officials that would send a clear signal to the attorneys as to whether they would want that juror to serve.

• Can a defendant waive his or her right to a jury?
• Is a defendant entitled to a jury trial?
• If the case proceeds to trial what happens next?
• If the grand jury refuses to indict can the prosecutor re-file?
• What are other distinguishing features of a grand jury?
• What is a grand jury?
• Can a defendant waive a preliminary hearing?
• What does a defense attorney hope to accomplish at a preliminary hearing?
• Does a defendant have a right to a preliminary hearing in state court?
• What is a preliminary hearing?
• What is an information?
• Does a judge have to accept a plea bargain and give the defendant the sentence offered by the prosecution?
• Once a prosecutor offers a plea bargain can he or she renege on the deal?
• What are possible disadvantages of plea bargaining?
• What are the benefits of plea bargaining?
• What is the process of plea bargaining?
• What happens if the defendant pleads guilty?
• Does the defendant have to physically appear before a judge at the initial appearance and the arraignment?
• What else takes place at the arraignment?
• Can a person choose to waive or decline counsel and represent himself or herself?