In criminal cases involving sensitive and serious charges like child pornography, selecting the right jurors is paramount. The views, biases, and experiences of potential jurors can significantly impact the outcome of the trial. Defendants must ensure they have a fair and impartial jury to guarantee justice. To assist defendants in this critical process, we’ve compiled a list of 25 essential juror questions to ask potential jurors in cases involving computer images of child pornography.

Juror Questions For a Child Pornography Case

My twenty-five questions are divided into two categories designed to reveal both an individual’s legal perspective as well as their personal perspective of a case. Here are my top 25 questions to ask jurors in a criminal case involving child pornography:

Questions to Evaluate a Juror’s Legal Perspective

• 1. Have you ever served on a case involving similar charges?
• 2. What is your understanding of the legal principle innocent until proven guilty in cases involving child pornography?
• 3. Can you describe your views on the presumption of guilt often associated with allegations of child pornography?
• 4. Can you describe your views on the presumption of innocence in criminal trials?
• 5. Can you explain your understanding of the burden of proof in criminal cases?
• 6. How do you plan to evaluate the credibility of witnesses, including law enforcement and expert witnesses?
• 7. How do you plan to assess the credibility of expert witnesses, particularly in the field of digital forensics?
• 8. Are you familiar with the process of jury nullification? If so, how do you feel about it?

Questions to Evaluate a Juror’s Personal Perspective

• 9. Have you ever been a victim of a crime similar to the charges in this case?
• 10. How do you feel about the use of computer forensics in criminal investigations?
• 11. Can you describe any personal or professional experiences that might influence your ability to be impartial in this case?
• 12. What role do you believe the severity of the charges should play in your decision-making process?
• 13. Do you believe that viewing or possessing images of child pornography is always indicative of criminal intent?
• 14. How would you approach assessing the reliability of digital evidence presented in this case?
• 15. Can you describe your views on the appropriate punishment for individuals convicted of crimes involving child pornography?
• 16. How do you plan to reconcile any personal moral or ethical beliefs with your roll as a juror in this case?
• 17. Are you able to remain impartial and make decisions based solely on the evidence presented in court?
• 18. How do you plan on handling any emotional reactions that may arise during the trial, particularly when viewing sensitive evidence?
• 19. Are you comfortable with the level of technology and digital evidence that may be presented during this trial?
• 20. Can you describe any media exposure or prior knowledge you may have regarding this case?
• 21. How do you plan to handle any biases or prejudices that may arise during the trial?
• 22. How do you plan to approach deliberations with your fellow jurors?
• 23. Can you describe any conflicts of interest or relationships that you may have that could affect your ability to serve as an impartial juror?
• 24. Are you able to set aside any personal opinions or beliefs you may hold about the charges or the defendant and base your decision solely on the evidence presented in court?
• 25. How do you plan to ensure your decision is fair and just, considering the gravity of the charges and the potential consequences for the defendant?

My Final Thoughts

Selecting the right jurors is a critical aspect of ensuring a fair trial, particularly in cases involving sensitive charges like child pornography. By asking these 25 essential questions, defendants can gain valuable insights into jurors beliefs, biases, and attitudes, ultimately helping to secure a fair and impartial jury and safeguarding the integrity of the trial process.

Before initiating the jury selection process, be sure to review the pretrial motion suggestions made in my article, Top 5 Motions to File in a Child Porn Case.

If you, or someone you know, will be proceeding to trial, challenging an imposed sentence or pursuing any type of post-conviction relief, our book, The Colossal Book of Criminal Citations, is a crucial resource in the pursuit of justice. Our books are softcover, institution friendly, and frequently advertised in Prison Legal News magazine. Order your copy today, or on behalf of someone incarcerated.