Participate in Mock Death Penalty Voir Dire

Good afternoon,

I hope you all had a relaxing break!

A local firm represents the defendant in a high-profile capital case here in Florida that is set to begin in February. In preparation for trial, the attorneys handling the case are looking to practice their juror questioning on a group of folks with diverse opinions on the death penalty. They need people who are enthusiastic supporters of the death penalty, as much as opposed to it, to serve as mock jurors. Your participation would be required for only 1 hour on either January 11th or January 13th. The questioning will be in small groups of 3-4 people for only one hour each. Participation would be between 9-noon and 1-5pm. Ideally, there would be between 18 and 24 individuals each day. Due to the high-profile nature of the case, all participants serving as mock jurors will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to participation, but once signed, the facts of the case will be discussed in detail. 

Please email [email protected] if you are available for one hour on either January 11th or 13th before Thursday 1/6 at noon. If you are available, please also indicate in your email if you would be able to come to Stetson’s campus or travel to the law firm’s office in Pinellas Park should the simulation be held there. Once we know how many people can participate and where, the lawyers will send out a google doc to sign up for a 1-hour time slot. 

Thank you in advance for your help. We believe this will be an interesting, educational, and worthwhile use of your time! It allows you to share your views and beliefs, as well as be exposed to the real questions, responses, and tactics of picking a jury in a death penalty in a case. 

Sincerely,
Katherine Donoghue
Associate Director, Center for Excellence in Advocacy
Stetson University College of Law

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