| Thursday, March 4, 2004 When at least 200 potential jurors in Scott Peterson's double-murder trial show up at the San Mateo County courthouse today, they should come prepared to answer questions.The 23 page questionnaire they will be asked to fill out will have such questions as: -Age -Gender -Birthplace -Occupation -Feelings about Death Penalty -Have they ever lost a child -Have they been a victim of a violent crime -What Magazines they subscribe to or read -What Bumper Stickers are on their car -What they think about extramarital affairs -Attitudes toward Law Enforcement -Have they ever considered a career in law enforcement -Attitudes towards Lawyers -Gun Ownership -Religious issues -How often do you use or view pages on computer -Do you have negative feelings towards prosecutors -Do you listen to Country Music or Rock and Roll -Have you served in the military -How avid a Fisherman or Boater are you -How often do you watch Geraldo, Greta or Larry King -What is your opinion of DNA Jury selection is expected to take at least a month. The questionnaire has been reviewed twice in open court, Developed by prosecutors and defense attorneys with minor editing by Judge Alfred A. Delucchi, its contents were approved in court Tuesday. In an effort to put people at ease, Delucchi and the lawyers will question them individually-- out of the presence of other potential jurors. "The absence of an audience should make the process more relaxed," said David Graeven, president of the San Francisco-based Trial Behavior Consulting. "It also prevents the pollution or contamination of the panel." "This is Mr. Peterson," Judge Alfred A. Delucchi told prospective jurors seated in the courtroom gallery. Peterson stood and, with a slight smile, responded, "Hello, good morning." Much of today will be taken up by potential jurors filling out the questionnaires and the judge excusing some because they can't be impartial or they would suffer a hardship by serving on a jury. The judge reminded the group of 54 women and 44 men that defendants are innocent until proven guilty, and that they could not count it against Peterson if he does not testify in his own defense. Prospective jurors also must be willing to consider recommending a death sentence for Peterson if they convict him. Delucchi said he opted not to sequester jurors because, "For your mental health, I think it's good that you get to go home every night." The judge also warned anyone selected not to discuss the case — despite the crush of public attention — and said they would "be asked to look at some very graphic photographs." Before the judge appeared, court officials told the group that anyone selected jurors would be paid $15 a day. Delucchi has said he expects the trial to last five months. "The prosecution is looking for people who are more conservative, more conventional and who are deeply, personally offended by things like people having an affair," said Lois Heaney of the San Francisco-based National Jury Project, the nation's oldest trial consulting firm. The defense wants jurors with "a high tolerance for ambiguity," Heaney said. "People who can tolerate just not knowing if the prosecution can't prove his guilt." TRIAL NEWS HOME INDEX LACI SCOTT EVIDENCE-NEWS ALIBI-WITNESS LIST |
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