Opinion ID: 1624390
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Religious Beliefs of Jurors

Text: Parrish asserts that the trial judge committed error by inquiring into the religious beliefs of prospective jurors during individual voir dire. We disagree. It was not error to ask prospective jurors if they held any moral, religious, spiritual or personal beliefs that would interfere with their service as jurors on this death penalty case. No juror was questioned as to what, if any, religious denomination they were affiliated with. They were only asked if they had a religious or spiritual affiliation and what that organization's position was and whether they agreed with it. The questions were general in nature and had been tendered by defense counsel. There was no objection by Parrish. Decisions made during voir dire are generally regarded as trial strategy. Hodge v. Commonwealth, Ky., 17 S.W.3d 824 (2000). The use of these general questions did not infringe on or permit the improper use of peremptory strikes. There is no connection to Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79, 106 S.Ct. 1712, 90 L.Ed.2d 69 (1986). The selection process was proper and consistent with RCr 9.36. There was no violation of any provision of either the federal or state constitutions.