Bill > S724

This bill consolidates statutes pertaining to jury service by repealing Chapter 234 of the General Laws and introducing new provisions into Chapter 234A. Key changes include prohibiting questioning jurors about their background after they've been summoned, unless otherwise permitted by law, and establishing procedures for obtaining additional jurors when a sufficient number cannot be found, requiring an affidavit from the jury pool officer and a judge's finding. The bill also enhances the process for examining potential jurors, known as voir dire, to ensure they are impartial and understand legal principles like the presumption of innocence in criminal cases, and allows parties to conduct oral examinations of prospective jurors under court discretion. Furthermore, it specifies the number of peremptory challenges (the right to reject a potential juror without stating a reason) in civil cases, clarifies that a juror's liability to pay taxes in a potentially benefiting municipality is not a cause for challenge in forfeiture cases, and outlines procedures for appointing a foreperson, handling hung juries (when a jury cannot reach a verdict), allowing juries to view premises or property in civil and criminal cases, and setting aside verdicts if parties offer jurors treats or gratuities.