In 2016, the Legislature passed G.L. c. 234A, §67D, establishing a right to attorney-conducted voir dire in Superior Court jury trials. Practice under the statute and resulting Superior Court Rules has varied among judges and evolved slowly due to interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to differences in jury selection procedures.
Jury selection is a critical part of a trial. Asking questions intended to help you select a fair and impartial jury is essential, yet the courts and Massachusetts practitioners are relatively inexperienced with attorney-conducted voir dire.
Join the experienced trial attorneys as we examine the brief history and current trends in Massachusetts jury selection practice. The expert faculty reviews what we are trying to accomplish with voir dire and where we need to go from here.
Jury selection is a critical part of a trial. Asking questions intended to help you select a fair and impartial jury is essential, yet the courts and Massachusetts practitioners are relatively inexperienced with attorney-conducted voir dire.
Join the experienced trial attorneys as we examine the brief history and current trends in Massachusetts jury selection practice. The expert faculty reviews what we are trying to accomplish with voir dire and where we need to go from here.
Course Content
10:00am - 10:10amWelcome and Introduction
J. Michael Conley, Esq.,
Kenney & Conley, PC, Braintree
10:10am - 10:30am
Differences Between Jury Selection Procedures
Sarah B. Christie, Esq.,
Hassett & Donnelly, PC, Worcester
10:30am - 10:45am
Common Arguments for and Against Panel Voir Dire
Matthew J. Holmes, Esq.,
Morrison Mahoney LLP, Boston
,
10:45am - 11:05am
Voir Dire Goals - What Are We Trying to Accomplish and Why?
Cathryn L. Crowley, Esq.,
Carney, Rezendes & Crowley, LLC, Quincy
11:05am - 11:15am
Panel Principles in Individual Voir Dire
Joseph J. Russo, Esq.,
Granite Law Group, Nashua
11:15am - 11:30am
Voir Dire Toolbox: Challenges - Why and How?
Matthew J. Holmes, Esq.,
Morrison Mahoney LLP, Boston
11:30am - 11:45am
Voir Dire Toolbox: Dos and Don’ts - Legal and Practical
Panel
Please Note
This webcast is delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
Speakers
ChairJ. Michael Conley, Esq.,
Kenney & Conley, PC, Braintree
Faculty
Sarah B. Christie, Esq.,
Hassett & Donnelly, PC, Worcester
Cathryn L. Crowley, Esq.,
Carney, Rezendes & Crowley, LLC, Quincy
Matthew J. Holmes, Esq.,
Morrison Mahoney LLP, Boston
Joseph J. Russo, Esq.,
Granite Law Group, Nashua
