Experienced trial lawyers recognize the critical importance of attorney-conducted voir dire in assuring the fair trial of civil actions. While much has been written about the style of inquiry on voir dire, many attorneys have little concept, beyond a vague notion that each juror must agree to be 0fair,0 of the specific grounds which justify a challenge 0for cause.0 The purpose of this article is to review the statutory provisions, practice rules, and case law as they relate to qualification and disqualification of jurors.
The intelligent exercise of challenges to jurors for cause requires not only careful voir dire technique, but also clear knowledge of the provisions of the Rules of Practice and Procedure, as well as Minnesota statutory law, which provides the grounds for challenges for cause. Careful and even-handed application of the Rules by thoughtful trial judges, in combination with careful and probing voir dire conducted by skilled trial counsel will serve to greatly enhance civil justice in the State of Minnesota.
Imagine doing voir dire in a soft tissue case and then encountering the following exchange:
Attorney: Do any of you feel there are too many lawsuits today?
Juror #1: Yes, I certainly do. People […]

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