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Rule 3A:14 – Trial Jurors

May 14, 2021 | Criminal Procedure, Virginia

(a)Examination. After the prospective jurors are sworn on the voir dire, the court must question them individually or collectively to determine whether anyone:

(1) Is related by blood, adoption, or marriage to the accused or to a person against whom the alleged offense was committed;
(2) Is an officer, director, agent or employee of the accused;
(3) Has any interest in the trial or the outcome of the case;
(4) Has acquired any information about the alleged offense or the accused from the news media or other sources and, if so, whether such information would affect his impartiality in the case;
(5) Has expressed or formed any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the accused;
(6) Has a bias or prejudice against the Commonwealth or the accused; or
(7) Has any reason to believe the juror might not give a fair and impartial trial to the Commonwealth and the accused based solely on the law and the evidence.

Thereafter, consistent with the provisions of Code ยง 19.2-262.01, the court, and counsel as of right, may examine on oath any prospective juror and ask any questions relevant to the qualifications as an impartial juror. A party objecting to a juror may introduce competent evidence in support of the objection.

(b)Challenge for Cause. The court, on its own motion or following a challenge for cause, may excuse a prospective juror if it appears the juror is not qualified, and another must be drawn or called and placed in the juror’s stead for the trial of that case.

Va. Sup. Ct. 3A:14

Amended by order dated December 14, 2012, effective January 1, 2013; amended by Order dated December 14, 2012; effective January 1, 2013; amended by order dated September 3, 2020, effective September 3, 2020; amended by order dated January 12, 2021, effective January 12, 2021; amended by order dated November 23, 2020, effective March 1, 2021.