§ 15-12-11 - Appointment of court personnel in certain counties; juror questionnaires; construction with other laws
O.C.G.A. 15-12-11 (2010)
15-12-11. Appointment of court personnel in certain counties; juror questionnaires; construction with other laws
(a) In all counties having a population of 600,000 or more according to the United States decennial census of 1990 or any future such census, the judges of the superior court of such counties, by a majority vote of all of them, shall have the power to appoint a jury clerk and such other personnel as may be deemed necessary or advisable to dispatch the work of the court. The appointments to such positions and the compensation therefor shall be determined by the judges without regard to any other system or rules, such personnel to serve at the pleasure of the judges. The salaries and expenses of the personnel and any attendant expense of administration of the courts are determined to be contingent expense of court and shall be paid as provided by law for the payment of contingent expenses. The duties of the personnel shall be as prescribed by the judges.
(b) All prospective jurors in all counties may be required to answer written questionnaires, as may be determined and submitted by the judges of such counties, concerning their qualifications as jurors. In propounding the questions, the judges may consider the suggestions of counsel. In the questionnaire and during voir dire examination, judges should ensure that the privacy of prospective jurors is reasonably protected and that the questioning by counsel is consistent with the purpose of the voir dire process.
(c) In the event any prospective juror fails or refuses to answer the questionnaire, the jury clerk shall report the failure or refusal to the court together with the facts concerning the same, and the court shall have such jurisdiction as is provided by law for subpoena, attachment, and contempt powers.
(d) This Code section shall be supplemental to other provisions of law, with a view toward efficient and orderly handling of jury selection and the administration of justice.