How are people actually chosen to be on a jury for a specific trial?
The judge, the lawyers, or both the judge and the lawyers will ask the jurors who reported for service a series of questions. The questions can cover topics such as the jurors’ background, employment, friends, beliefs, and so on. This questioning, which takes place in the courtroom, is called “voir dire.” Based on the answers that the jurors give, the lawyers pick the individuals who will actually be on the jury for that trial. Jurors who are not picked are usually free to leave the courthouse.