Jury Selection for Law Day

By Marjorie K. Nanian

Engage Students with a Mock Voir Dire for Law Day

For Law Day, consider conducting a mock voir dire exercise with students. I’ve used this activity with middle school, high school, and college students to teach them the basics of jury selection and to inspire civic responsibility when they are eventually summoned for jury duty.

Make It Fun and Theatrical

If you enjoy a bit of drama, this simulation project is a great opportunity to be theatrical. I like to set the tone by entering the classroom in a black graduation gown with a gavel in hand. For extra flair, I play “Here Comes the Judge” by Shorty Long on a cassette tape as I enter—it never fails to capture students’ attention!

Prepare in Advance

To get started:

  • Ask the teacher to provide a list of students in advance or have students fill out sample jury questionnaires (available through your local court).
  • Arrange the classroom to resemble a courtroom with designated areas for the judge, attorneys, jury box, and dismissed jurors.
  • Assign roles:
    • Ask the teacher to play one of the attorneys (plaintiff or defense).
    • Choose a student—especially one who enjoys attention—to play the opposing counsel.

Kick Off the Simulation

Begin by welcoming students to court and introducing yourself. Explain the purpose of voir dire and how the process works. Include key concepts such as:

  • Peremptory challenges vs. challenges for cause
  • Number of jurors needed for a civil case
  • Where selected jurors will sit, ideally in a mock jury box with six chairs and one for an alternate

Use a Simple Case Scenario

Choose a case that students can easily relate to. I recommend a dog bite case, which typically sparks conversation. Here’s one that works well:

A neighbor owns a Chow-Chow. One day, the dog breaks its leash and chases a man walking his dog. The man claims the Chow bit him.

Start the Voir Dire

Begin questioning students to establish the three basic qualifications for jury service:

  1. Age – Ask when a student’s birthday is and determine if they’re over 18.
  2. Citizenship – Ask where they were born or if they’re U.S. citizens.
  3. Residency – Ask how long they’ve lived in the area.

Since most students will be under 18, explain that they’re being excused due to age—but that, for the sake of the simulation, everyone will now pretend to be eligible jurors.

Take this opportunity to explain how names are pulled for jury duty (e.g., voter registration and DMV records).

Invite Participation

After your questions, turn to the student-attorneys:

  • Ask if they object to the juror or want to ask additional questions.
  • If accepted, have the student move to the jury box.
  • If not accepted, thank them, let them know they’ll receive a (pretend) check as determined by statute, and have them move to the dismissed juror area.

Physically moving around the room helps keep students engaged, especially younger ones.

Sample Follow-Up Questions

In addition to basic eligibility, ask questions relevant to the case:

  • Do you own a dog?
  • Has your dog ever broken its leash?
  • Have you ever been bitten by a dog?
  • Has your dog ever bitten anyone? What happened?

Swear In the Jury

Once your jury is selected, have them raise their right hands and read the juror’s oath aloud:

Each of you do solemnly swear (or affirm) that, in this action now before the court, you will justly decide the questions submitted to you, that, unless you are discharged by the court from further deliberation, you will render a true verdict and that you will render your verdict only on the evidence introduced and by the instructions of the court, so help you God.

Reinforce the Lesson

This activity is more than just fun—it’s a powerful teaching tool. Students walk away with a clearer understanding of the importance of jury service and their role in the justice system. With the right amount of structure and play, you can help shift the perception of jury duty from a burden to a privilege.

About the Author

Marjorie Nanian is originally from Michigan, where she worked as a solo practitioner for 30 years and as an adjunct college professor. Most recently, she worked as an administrative law judge in Phoenix, Arizona, and for a short time as a deputy district attorney in the 13th Judicial District of Colorado.