Note, Trial Court Discretion in Conducting the Voir Dire Subjected to More Stringent Scrutiny

Beverly Petersen Jennison, The Catholic Univerity of America, Columbus School of Law

Abstract

This Note discusses the impact of Cordero v. United States upon the voir dire process in the District of Columbia. After delineating the previous standard employed by the District of Columbia courts in evaluating the constitutional adequacy of the jury selection process, this Note will identify the stricter standard as set forth by the Cordero court. Finally, the Note will conclude that the stringent Cordero standard results in a more just and careful jury selection process, thereby guaranteeing the presence of fair and impartial tribunals in criminal cases.