Newsgroups: alt.society.civil-liberty,sci.psychology,misc.legal,dc.general
From: [a--y] at [eng.tridom.com] (Andrew P. Klenzak)
Subject: Questions asked to jurors
Date: Thu, 16 Jun 1994 20:56:32 GMT



In the Spring 1994 FIJActivist (#15) there is an article from the
Austin American-Statesman (May 8th, 1994, pg C6) about Dianna
Brandborg, a potential juror in a capital murder trial.  She's
a 48 year old office manager who refused to answer a dozen of the
100 questions asked in the juror questionnaire she was instructed 
to complete/fill out.  The judge promptly sentenced her to 3
days in jail for contempt of court.

Some of the questions/info asked included:

Name, age, address, telephone number, birthplace.

Place of employment, job desc., occupation for past 10 years.

Marital status, spouse and children info

Religious prefrence, name and location of church, past or
present church offices held.

Military service, if any.

What kind of vehicle do you drive? your spouse?

Do you have any bumper stickers on your car?  describe.

To what civic clubs, societies, professional assoc.
or other organizations do you belong?

Do you contribute services or financially to any charitable
organization?

What are your hobbies or favorite recreations?

What television programs do you regularly watch, if any?

What newspapers do you read? what sections do you read 
regularly?

What is your political preference?

Have you ever read books dealing with psychology or psychiatry?
[Hmm...would sci.psychology count? --Andy]

Do you support laws that would restrict gun ownership or
possession?

Are you or your spouse connected to law enforcement in 
any way?

Have you ever written a letter to the editor or called a
radio talk show?  describe.

List 5 men and 5 women who are publicly known and who
you most respect?

How do you feel about the death penalty?


-----------------

Ugh.  How disgustingly irrelevant most of these are!!!!

At any rate, the article relates that Dianna got a temporary
stay of her jail sentence by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals,
and she was freed on $100 bond.  Her case is still pending.

Also, FIJA (Fully Informed Jury Association) can be reached
at P.O. Box 59, Helmville MT 59843.  Their newsletters are 
usually replete with similar jury-related atrocities.  Enjoy.

Andy