Desafío a jurados por opiniones no definitivas

Explicación Simple

Si un jurado ha escuchado rumores o tiene una idea vaga sobre un caso, eso no es suficiente para que no pueda ser jurado. Debe asegurar bajo juramento que puede decidir de manera justa basándose solo en lo que se presente en el juicio.

Es como si alguien opinara sobre una película solo por el tráiler; no puede juzgarla completamente sin haberla visto. Un jurado debe ver y escuchar toda la evidencia antes de formar una opinión.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Ana es llamada a formar parte de un jurado en un caso de robo. Aunque ha escuchado que el acusado es problemático, ella dice en corte que puede decidir solo con la evidencia presentada. El juez debe estar seguro de que Ana no dejará que sus ideas anteriores afecten su veredicto.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

MCL 768.10 - Challenge to juror for cause; effect of opinion or impression not positive in character; declaration by juror Sec. 10. The previous formation or expression of opinion or impression, not positive in its character, in reference to the circumstances upon which any criminal prosecution is based, or in reference to the guilt or innocence of the prisoner, or a present opinion or impression in reference thereto, such opinion or impression not being positive in its character, or not being based on personal knowledge of the facts in the case, shall not be a sufficient ground of challenge for principal cause, to any person who is otherwise legally qualified to serve as a juror upon the trial of such action: Provided, That the person proposed as a juror, who may have formed or expressed, or has such opinion or impression as aforesaid, shall declare on oath, that he verily believes that he can render an impartial verdict according to the evidence submitted to the jury on such trial: Provided further, That the court shall be satisfied that the person so proposed as a juror does not entertain such a present opinion as would influence his verdict as a juror.