Duncan jury pool gets questionnaire

A hefty jury questionnaire was mailed recently to 800 Kootenai County residents summoned for the jury pool in the Joseph Duncan triple-murder trial.

The prospective jurors, who are scheduled to begin reporting to court Monday to answer questions from defense and prosecution lawyers, were required to answer 75 questions “truthfully and completely” without consulting anyone else.

“You may not discuss the content of this questionnaire or your answers with anyone else,” prospective jurors were instructed.

In addition to basic information such as age, occupation and marital status, those in the jury pool were asked about clubs and organizations they have belonged to, military service they may have, any prior jury duty, and whether they are acquainted with any of the lawyers in the case or the defendant.

They also were asked about their views on the death penalty. If Duncan is convicted, the same jury would determine his sentence.

Here is a selection of other questions:

“Have you, or anyone close to you, been sexually abused?

“Have you, or anyone close to you, been accused of sexually abusing/assaulting another?

“Would it be difficult for you to fairly and impartially weigh the facts in a case where the defendant is charged with killing a minor child?

“Would it be difficult for you to fairly and impartially weigh the facts in a case where the defendant is charged with killing the mother of minor children?

“Would viewing graphic photos of a crime scene and the deceased bodies and wounds make it impossible for you to listen impartially in considering other evidence presented?

“Would you be able to listen to, fairly consider, and weigh the testimony of a psychiatrist or psychologist, if offered at trial?

“Have you read about or heard about this case? Have you discussed this case with anyone?

“From the information you have received, have you formed any opinion whatsoever regarding this case?

“At this time, do you have any opinion regarding whether Joseph Duncan is “guilty” or “not guilty” of any crime?

“Generally, how serious of a problem do you think crime is: a. In the United States? b. In Idaho? c. In Kootenai County?

“If you see crime as a serious problem, why do you think that the crime rate is as high as it is?

“Do you have any specific training, knowledge or experience in the area of serology or blood typing, or do you have a family member or close friend who has any specific training, knowledge or experience in the area of serology or blood typing?

“Do you have any specific training, knowledge or experience in the area of DNA, molecular biology or population genetics, or do you have a family member or close friend who has any specific training, knowledge or experience in the area of DNA, molecular biology or population genetics?

“Do you believe that scientific evidence carries greater weight than other types of evidence?

“Have you ever been a member or supporter of any advocacy group, or political lobbying organization, focusing its efforts on tougher criminal laws, victim rights, or offender punishment?

“What are your opinions, beliefs or views regarding the death penalty?

“Do you have such strong beliefs against the death penalty that you would never impose it under any circumstances?

“Would your beliefs about the death penalty prevent, or substantially impair, you from making an impartial decision about the defendant’s guilt or innocence?

“Do you believe that because the state is asking that the death penalty be imposed in this case that the defendant is more likely to be guilty of the offense charged?

“Do you believe that because the state is seeking the death penalty, that the nature or extent of the evidence against Mr. Duncan must be more certain or more compelling than if the state was not seeking the death penalty?

“Do you believe that most people who are charged with crimes are probably guilty of those crimes?

“Is there any reason you cannot participate as a juror in a trial which may take three to four weeks?