“IMPLEMENTING NEW YORK’S CIVIL VOIR DIRE LAW AND RULES”
JANUARY 2009
ANN PFAU, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE
NEW YORK STATE UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM
Message from the Chief Administrative Judge
As part of our continuing efforts to improve the jury system, we have prepared this guide to implementing New York law and rules for jury selection in civil trials.
The purpose of this booklet is to provide an overview of the many legal and administrative requirements governing procedures for civil voir dire, including judicial supervision, selection methodologies, questioning of jurors and juror challenges. In addition, this booklet sets forth recommended approaches or “best practices” for ensuring that jury selection is conducted in a fair and efficient manner that balances the needs of courts, jurors and counsel. It is aimed both at achieving consistency in the implementation of applicable rules and honoring regional differences in practice.
For the last fifteen years, New York’s judges and lawyers have led the nation in implementing reforms to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of our jury system.
This booklet seeks to build on this outstanding partnership. I encourage you to visit us at www.nycourts.gov/ to obtain additional copies of this guide and to learn more about New York’s jury improvement efforts.
Hon. Ann Pfau,
Chief Administrative Judge
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