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Judicial Advisor Poll: Political Climate and Jury Trials
Recent public debate has included increasingly sharp criticism of courts and the judiciary. We are interested in whether this broader political environment has had any observable effect on jury selection or jury deliberations in your courtroom.
Your responses are anonymous and will be reported only in aggregate.
1. Over the past 2–3 years, have you observed any change in juror attitudes toward the court system or the judiciary?
☐ No noticeable change
☐ Slight change
☐ Moderate change
☐ Significant change
☐ Unsure
Optional comment: ___________________________
2. Have you noticed an increase in prospective jurors expressing strong political or ideological views during voir dire?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
If yes, please describe briefly: ___________________________
3. Do you currently allow questions regarding political affiliation or political viewpoints during voir dire?
☐ Yes, routinely
☐ Yes, in limited circumstances
☐ No
☐ Depends on the case
Why or why not? ___________________________
4. Compared with prior years, have you experienced any change in the frequency of hung juries?
☐ Fewer hung juries
☐ About the same
☐ Slight increase
☐ Significant increase
☐ Unsure
5. Have you observed what you would consider an increase in instances of jury nullification or verdicts seemingly driven by factors other than the evidence and the law?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Optional comment: ___________________________
6. Do you believe that political polarization or public criticism of the judiciary has affected jury deliberations in any way?
☐ Not at all
☐ Slightly
☐ Moderately
☐ Significantly
☐ Unsure
Optional comment: ___________________________
7. Have you modified any courtroom or voir dire practices in response to these concerns?
☐ No
☐ Yes
If yes, please describe: ___________________________
8. Any additional observations regarding juror behavior, trust in the courts, or trends you believe practitioners should be aware of?
Optional background (for context only)
Years on the bench:
☐ 0–5 ☐ 6–10 ☐ 11–20 ☐ 20+
Primary docket:
☐ Criminal ☐ Civil ☐ Mixed ☐ Other
I would be willing to discuss my experience:
Name:_____________________ Telephone #_______________________
Email:____________________________________________________
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