The purpose of the pilot program includes gathering information and experience that may be used to:

1. Study the effects of expanded voir dire on the effectiveness and efficiency of jury selection, case management, juror satisfaction, public perception of the trial process, court operations, and related concerns.
2. Develop guidance and education to assist courts, attorneys, and litigants in the implementation of expanded voir dire statewide.
3. Inform efforts of the Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure and the Supreme Court to consider whether amendments to Rules 2-512 and 4-312 are appropriate.

The Pilot Program will begin in January 2025 with expanded voir dire in eight Maryland circuit courts. Join us and share your thoughts, concerns, and questions about the Program and proposed expansion.

Moderator:

Hon. Krystal Alves, Prince George’s County Circuit Court and Co-Chair, MSBA Special Committee on Voir Dire

Panelists:

• Hon. Yvette Bryant, Baltimore City Circuit Court and Chair, Supreme Court of Maryland’s Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure
• Hon. John Maloney, Montgomery County Circuit Court and Co-Chair, MSBA Special Committee on Voir Dire
• Hon. Laura Ripken, Appellate Court of Maryland and Chair, Voir Dire Pilot Program Advisory Board
• Dr. Jamie Walter, Maryland Judiciary, Director of Research and Analysis
• Patrice Meredith Clarke, Iliff, Meredith, Wildberger & Brennan and Co-Chair, MSBA Special Committee on Voir Dire
• Tim Gunning, Wyatt and Gunning and MSBA Liaison, Pilot Program Advisory Board
• Connie Kratovil-Lavelle, Collaborative Law and Justice Center and Co-Chair, MSBA Rules Committee

This is informational only and no CLE credit will be offered for the surrounding MCLE states.

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