Main steps to the voir dire process
The voir dire process takes place in different phases with each phase aimed at attaining a given aim. The first phase of this process entails the soliciting of information aimed at unravelling information in the juror’s mind-set. In this phases, there are different skills that are needed to enhance the provision of information by the juror such as the use of open-ended questions and being attentive. The second step is initiating ample relationships with the juror. This step is essential because it prompts the juror’s to offer the requisite and candid information needed from them (Broome, 2012). Creating ample relationships with the juror’s does not occur in isolation but can be achieved by treating the jurors in a respectful manner and being non-judgmental on them. Educating jurors is another crucial step that should not be assumed. Educating jurors offers them with critical information that allows them to make adequate decisions. The final step in the voir dire process is persuading the jurors, which aims at influencing the juror’s view of the case.
Wrongful convictions
The topic on wrongful convictions has evolved into one of the most equivocal topic all around the globe. In fact, the issue on wrongful convictions has evolved into a significant problem in the field of criminal justice. This is because it limits the provision of justice to suspects and victims of crime. Many at times, the problem of wrongful convictions is elicited by inadequate evidence and lack of credible witnesses to proof beyond any reasonable doubt on the actual perpetrators of different crimes (Gould, 2008). An example of a person who had been wrongly convicted but was acquainted by the Project Innocence is Richardson Gerard who stayed in prison for close to nineteen years but was cleared when DNA test proved his innocence.
References
Broome, S. (2012). Pattern voir dire questions: Civil and criminal. Costa Mesa, CA: James Pub.
Gould, J. B. (2008). The Innocence Commission: Preventing wrongful convictions and restoring the criminal justice system. New York: New York University Press.
