However, a juror hostile to your case can weaken support for you and even reduce your award. Jurors will be asked about their backgrounds and views on certain subjects. Sometimes the trial judge will want to conduct the query with input from the plaintiff and defense lawyers. In other situations, the attorneys directly address the potential jury. Voir dire varies from case to case, judge to judge and state to state.
Different states allow different amounts of voir dire questioning.
Lawyers only have access to basic information such as name, occupation, age, education and potential conflicts. You should check with your lawyer about the rules in your state. In states like Massachusetts, lawyers have to make quick decisions about whether a juror would be advantageous for a client without the benefit of more in-depth questioning. In a more typical voir dire, jurors are asked questions that reveal possible prejudice or bias. Sometimes a potential juror's job can create a biased view.