The Nuts and Bolts to Picking a Jury

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –The Constitution, in Article III, Section 2, and the Sixth Amendment both address a citizen’s right to a trial by jury, and a “speedy and public trial…by an impartial jury.”  It is one of the most important tenants of the judicial process, along with the clear understanding that you are innocent until proven guilty.

The question is, especially in a high-profile case such as United States vs. Dylann Roof, how are those who will judge selected?

According to attorney Josh Pozsik from the Pozsik / Carpenter Law Firm, it starts with a large pool of people.  “Because this case is so high profile,” Pozsik says, “it may take many people to whittle down the pool to 70, and eventually the twelve that will ultimately judge Roof.”

Pozsik explains that Judge Richard Gergel will excuse potential jurors based on their beliefs in such matters as the death penalty, and thoughts and/or knowledge of the case.

From the pool of 70, both the prosecution and defense, in this case Roof himself, who will act as his own attorney, will “strike” potential jurors to the final 12 and six alternates who will decide the outcome of the case.  Strikes can me made for any reason, except that of race, ethnicity, and gender, according to Pozsik.

“This case isn’t so much a who-done-it as much as a question of the United States being allowed to put Roof to death,” says Pozsik.  He also points out that the selection itself will be a drawn-out process, with only 20-24 potential candidates evaluated each day.

Once those selections are made, the case will move forward.  ABC Columbia will have continuous updates as the jury selection and case unfold.

Renderings by Robert Maniscalco