Free For the Defense by M.J. Rodgers Page A

themselves to be exposed to any news reports.
    “What kind of input are you looking for?” he asked.
    “I meet with Staker first thing tomorrow to try to agree upon an expanded questionnaire.”
    “You have the jurors fill that out before you talk to them in the courtroom, right?”
    She nodded. “ Voir dire is the legal term for selecting a jury from the prospective panel. It begins the first day of the trial. Last week, I argued that a more detailed questionnaire filled out in advance would save time. Judge Gimbrere not only agreed to one, he’s planning to include a cover letter asking the prospective jurors to be honest and assuring them that their responses will be kept confidential.”
    “So Staker didn’t fight you on this.”
    She shook her head. “He wants time to digest the information as much as I do.”
    “How can I help?”
    “If there are questions you want me to ask that will assist with your investigation, I need to know by the end of today.”
    As attractive and exciting as Diana was proving to be, Jack was thankful that he wasn’t planning on pursuing a personal relationship with her. She wasn’t even giving him time to complete their business one.
    He closed the binder on his lap. “What kinds of questions can we ask a prospective juror?”
    “Personal background stuff and whatever else could have a bearing on the specific case for which they are being considered.”
    “So, if you have a case of spousal abuse, you could legitimately ask prospective jurors if they’ve been the victim or perpetrator of spousal abuse.”
    “Both questions would be considered germane,” she confirmed. “A prospective juror who has been a victim or an abuser would most certainly be excused from serving on such a case.”
    “Their experiences having clouded their objectivity.”
    Diana nodded. “Except that even if a prospective juror has abused his spouse, he’s not going to admit it.”
    No, Jack didn’t suppose he would. “The danger is that prospective jurors lie.”
    “Some lie or omit information to protect themselves or their images. Most will try to be honest.”
    “The important word here being, try? ”
    “Yes. My biggest concern is that people simply don’t recognize their own biases. If they possess a bias that is going to interfere with their ability to see the truth during Connie’s trial, I have to know. The judge will ask the prospective jurors if they will decide the case based solely on the evidence presented. If the jurors answer yes, the judge takes them at their word.”
    “But we can’t afford to,” Jack said, as he got to his feet.
    “Are you going somewhere?” she asked.
    “ We’re going to my office.”
    She remained seated, looking up at him. “Why are we doing that?”
    “Because my computer is already programmed with what we’re going to need to do a quick review of these prospective jurors.”
    “You could call me later and let me know what you’ve found.”
    Yes, Jack supposed he could. But he’d already decided he wanted her sitting beside him while he discovered those answers and developed the jury questionnaire. This was his case as much as hers. He needed her help if they were both to be successful.
    “If you want a set of questions by tomorrow, we have to work together,” Jack said. “Unless you’re looking for an excuse to skip apartment hunting tonight?”
    “I can’t skip apartment hunting.”
    “Then let’s get going. My schedule’s free. I’m prepared to stay with the task until it’s done.”
    “I won’t be able to stay past five today,” she said, not looking especially happy about the fact.
    “When do you and Mel have to move out of your mother’s place?”
    “Soon.”
    And that was obviously all she was going to say about that. “If you only have until five,” he said, “we’d better get started.”
    She glanced at her watch. “I have to pick up Mel from school in about thirty minutes.”
    “I’ve been meaning to ask.