Typically this column consists of about 1000 words on topics I think are important or interesting. This week that’s not going to be the case. I was asked by Zena Denise Crenshaw, if I’d be willing to be interviewed about jury selection on a radio show called Crimes of the Century Radio By Black Talk Media Project which is part of Black Talk Radio Network.
Although I’ve haven’t done jury selections during the past two years, Zena (who is the program’s primary host) believed I’d have something to contribute to their series so I agreed. The show aired Thursday, November 22nd and was called The Tricky Business of Selecting and Winning over Juries.
The interview can be heard this week as a podcast at: http://crimesofthecenturyradio.blogspot.com/ on the right hand side of the page. The media player on that page gives a running time so if you want to stop then return to the program you’ll be able to pick up where you left off—if you feel like continuing to listen.
If you can’t get to it this week the interview will still be able to be heard at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/crimes-of-the-century-radio/id741166176 and dated 11/22/13. This site also gives you the option of using Itunes which also has a running time indicator.
Despite too many “uhhs” and “ahhs,” I managed to stay pretty coherent. So, if you do tune in, thanks for your time.
Absolutely great and tremendously important interview Zach! The “uhhs” and “ahhs” make you seem even more insightful than usual which is a high bar to top. Thank you for sharing with us.
Zena–Thank you for inviting me on the show. I enjoyed myself and the time flew by. The work you guys do is critically important and worthwhile. Glad to have been able to be part of it.
Time flies when you’re having fun eh? A few observations:
Overall you done good. I noted that George actually confirmed your premise that jurors bring their own baggage to the jury box. His input seemed subjective based on his experience and it’s easy to see him bringing that with him in every case and applying it to all matters.
I actually hadn’t considered that the system is underfunded. Not in the least. How that funding is being allocated perhaps, but not in the aggregate.
Allowing for shared resources might be worth considering.
My thankfully limited exposure to our justice system
in an urban/suburban locale leads me to see it as a monumental clusterfuck with near mechanical, assembly line function day in and day out.
IYO, is there a third option we might consider rather than the roulette of the current bench or jury trial? Is there potential to presort potential jurors or even develop jury adjudication as a profession?
Clearly, what we have now is not optimal. How do you reform a clusterfuck?
Bill–You’re asking a lot of important questions most of which I’d have to think about carefully before just dashing off a quick response. I can say that by ridding the justice system of our antiquated substance abuse laws would go a real long way of clearing out the huge numbers that courts are forced to deal with. We both know that those laws are blatantly racist and totally ineffective.
Another thing I believe is that jury consultants should be allowed across the board in every court and that attorneys have the right to question jurors directly.
I believe that resources ought to be the same for both sides of every case.
I believe that we actively recruit a whole lot more public defenders and court appointed lawyers for the poor. The degree that they are presently overworked and underpaid is shocking and adds to the reality that unless you have deep pockets the chance for a really fair trial is laughable. The amazing thing is how many times those overworked and underpaid attorneys do a great job.
These are the things that popped into my head but I’ll give them more thought and as things come to me I’ll add ’em to the comment section. And thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. Very appreciated.