Local Rule LCvR 47.1: CONTACT WITH JURORS BEFORE TRIAL AND DURING VOIR DIRE
W.D.N.C. — Civil rule
LCvR 47.1 CONTACT WITH JURORS BEFORE TRIAL AND DURING VOIR DIRE
(a) Juror Information.
(1) Disclosure to Case Participants. When jurors are drawn for a term of Court, counsel of record is entitled to a copy of the list of potential jurors. (The list of potential jurors shall not include the street address of any juror). If questionnaires are used, the responses to the questionnaires will also be made available to counsel. Depending on the needs of the case, such disclosure shall be made when deemed appropriate by the Court. Pro se parties may apply to the Court for similar pretrial access.
(2) Disclosure of Names of Jurors. Names of prospective and sitting petit jurors shall not be disclosed to members of the Bar, media, or public outside open Court, except upon Court order. A request for disclosure shall be made to the presiding judge.
(b) Pretrial Contact With Potential Jurors Prohibited. No attorney or party to an action, or persons acting on their behalf, shall contact any potential juror, either directly or through any member of his or her immediate family, in an effort to secure information concerning his or her background.
(c) Voir Dire. Ordinarily, in the interest of time, the Court will conduct the examination of prospective jurors, but may permit counsel to do so. If the Court conducts the examination, counsel or pro se parties may suggest additional questions.
(d) Contact with Jurors during or after Trial. No attorney or party to an action, or persons acting on their behalf, shall personally or through their designees, directly or indirectly, interview, examine or question, or communicate in any way with, any juror, relative, friend, or associate thereof during the trial, or with respect to the deliberations or verdict of the jury in any action, except on leave of the presiding judge upon good cause shown. Incidental contacts with jurors during a trial, such as the exchange of pleasantries, are likely due to close confines of the courthouse and do not violate this Rule. Contacts of substance, however, should be promptly reported by the attorney or pro se party to the presiding judge outside the hearing of the jury.