Choosing a jury isn’t about luck. It’s about asking the right voir dire questions that help attorneys build trust, identify bias, and select jurors who can be fair. In both civil and criminal trials, these questions can shape everything that follows. The way a juror answers often gives you more than a yes or no. It gives you a glimpse into how they think, what they fear, and what may push them toward one side. Here are some of the most effective voir dire questions for both civil and criminal trials to get you on the right track for conducting a voir dire.
Voir Dire Questions That Work in Civil Cases
Find Out How Jurors Feel About Lawsuits
Some jurors believe most lawsuits waste time. Others think businesses never take responsibility. You can’t afford to guess.
Ask this:
“Have you ever been involved in a lawsuit, whether as a plaintiff, defendant, or witness?”
This question helps identify jurors with personal experiences that might affect how they see your client. Follow up by asking how that experience felt and whether they thought the outcome was fair.
Ask this:
“Do you think people file lawsuits too easily these days?”
People who agree may see your client as part of the problem—especially in personal injury or product liability cases.
Spot the “Nuclear Jurors” Early
A nuclear juror tends to favor massive damage awards, no matter the facts. You don’t want one deciding your client’s future.
Ask this:
“What do you think is the best way to hold a company accountable for wrongdoing?”
Jurors who mention large financial penalties may push for verdicts based on emotion, not evidence.
Ask this:
“Do you think high verdicts are a way to send a message to big companies?”
If the juror agrees, be ready to follow up. You need to know if they’ll listen to facts over feelings.
Test Their Comfort With Experts and Technical Evidence
Civil trials often depend on expert witnesses. But not every juror trusts them or even understands what they’re saying.
Ask this:
“How do you feel about experts being paid to testify in trials?”
This question can reveal distrust. You can also ask whether they think experts tend to “take sides” based on who pays them.
Ask this:
“If this case involves technical or scientific evidence, would you feel comfortable making a decision based on it?”
Some jurors feel overwhelmed by technical language, especially in medical or engineering cases. If they say no, that’s a red flag.
Learn About Personal Grudges or Biases
Everyone brings personal baggage. Your job is to find out what it is before opening statements.
Ask this:
“Have you had a bad experience with a company, service provider, or insurance claim?”
A negative story from years ago could turn into bias against your client. This is especially important in insurance defense or product cases.
Voir Dire Questions That Work in Criminal Cases
Check for Bias About Police and the Justice System
Many criminal cases rely on police testimony. Some jurors trust law enforcement completely. Others don’t trust them at all.
Ask this:
“Have you or someone close to you had a negative or positive experience with police or the legal system?”
You’ll learn more than just opinion. You’ll often hear personal stories that shape how they see authority.
Ask this:
“Do you believe the criminal justice system treats everyone fairly?”
Jurors with strong views here might lean heavily toward one side before hearing any evidence.
Make Sure They Understand Presumption of Innocence
Some people walk in assuming guilt just because there’s a trial. You need to fix that before it hurts your case.
Ask this:
“If you were accused of a crime, would you want jurors to wait until they hear the full case before forming an opinion?”
This flips the situation and helps them think more personally.
Then ask: “Can you do that for this defendant?”
If they hesitate, they may not be right for this trial.
Look for Strong Views on Crime and Punishment
Some jurors see criminal trials as a chance to push a moral agenda. That can create problems, especially if the case is emotional.
Ask this:
“Do you believe people who break the law deserve second chances?”
This helps you understand how they feel about rehabilitation, punishment, and the idea of redemption.
Ask this:
“What do you think about plea deals in criminal cases?”
This shows how they see the prosecution process. Some jurors see plea deals as unfair, which can shape how they view the defense or the system as a whole.
Uncover Bias Based on the Type of Crime
Every juror has lines they won’t cross. Some crimes trigger deep emotional responses. You need to know those limits.
Ask this:
“Are there any kinds of criminal charges that would be hard for you to stay neutral on?”
Don’t sugarcoat this. If someone says they can’t stay open-minded in a drug or sexual assault case, they shouldn’t be on the jury.
Your Voir Dire Questions Should Match Your Case
Every trial is different. The best voir dire questions help you spot hidden bias, encourage honesty, and build a jury that’s willing to listen. Start with general questions, then go deeper. Pay attention to body language, tone, and hesitation. The goal isn’t to trip anyone up. It’s to create a fair trial from the very first step.
If you’re not sure where to start or need help sharpening your voir dire strategy, you don’t have to handle it alone. Jury consultants and legal support teams can help you plan and test your voir dire questions before trial even begins.
Get Support That Strengthens Your Case from Day One
Jury selection can make or break your trial. Great voir dire questions do more than gather information. They help you connect, uncover bias, and guide your trial strategy. Magna Legal Services offers trial consulting, mock jury testing, and support with voir dire preparation for both civil and criminal cases.
If you’re preparing for trial and need help fine-tuning your voir dire approach, Magna Legal is ready to support you. From identifying nuclear jurors to strengthening your jury strategy, we’ll help you walk into court with confidence. Contact us today.