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Al-Arian juror questionnaire

By Times Staff Writer
Published May 18, 2005

Below are excerpts from the 26-page questionnaire completed by more than 300 potential jurors in the trial of Sami Al-Arian and three co-defendants. Dozens have already been disqualified based on their answers. On Monday, U.S. District Judge James Moody began interviewing about 150 others, hoping to settle on 12, plus alternates, for the trial.

JUROR QUESTIONNAIRE

General Instructions: The questions on this form are asked to help the Court and the attorneys learn about your views on issues that may be related to this case. ... The questions are not meant to invade your privacy, but to help select the best possible jury for this case. If there is any reason why you might not be able to give both sides a fair trial in this case, it is important to say so. ... Your complete honesty is essential. ... If you feel the answer is too personal, please say so in the space provided. You will have the opportunity to discuss your answer privately.

Hardship question: The Court and the parties estimate that the trial in this case will last approximately six (6) months. Jurors will be paid an attendance fee of $40.00 per day for the first thirty (30) days of trial, and $50.00 per day thereafter. Lunch will be provided daily, and your transportation costs will be reimbursed.

Jury service is one of the highest duties and privileges of a citizen. The participation of people like yourself is essential to the proper administration of justice. The Court recognizes that not everyone can serve on a case of this length. However, mere inconvenience or the usual financial hardships of jury service will not be enough to excuse you. You must show that service in this case would cause an unacceptable amount of personal hardship.

Would you have a serious hardship if chosen for this case?

_____ YES, I would have a serious hardship if chosen for this case. Please answer the questions below, and fully explain your hardship. You must still complete the entire questionnaire.

_____ NO, I would not have a serious hardship if chosen for this case. Please move onto the next section of the questionnaire.

15. Do you speak Arabic or Hebrew (or any dialect of Arabic or Hebrew) or did you grow up in households where those languages or any of their dialects were spoken?

Yes _____ No _____

(a) If you speak, read or understand the Arabic or Hebrew language (or any of its dialects), would you have any difficulty relying solely upon a translator's translation of the evidence?

Yes _____ No _____

28. Have you or any children or relatives served in the recent war in Iraq, in Desert Storm or in military operations in Afghanistan and other areas of the Middle East?

31. Have you had any unpleasant experiences with Muslims, Palestinians or Arabs?

Yes _____ No _____ If Yes, please explain:

33. Do you believe that Muslims, Palestinians, Arabs or Israelis are disproportionately more violent than other religious or ethnic groups?

Yes _____ No _____ If Yes, what gives you that impression?

36. Do you think Palestinians were responsible for the attack on the United States on September 11, 2001? Yes _____ No _____ Don't Know _____ If Yes, please explain:

45. Have you seen, heard, or read media accounts in the recent coverage of the Senatorial Race between Mrs. Betty Castor and Mr. Mel Martinez? This includes not only the media, but also anything you may have heard from friends, relatives or co-workers?

Yes _____ No _____

(a) What did you see, hear or read?

(b) What was your reaction to what you heard or read?

(c) Based on what you have heard, read or seen, please tell us what feelings or opinions you have formed about this case or about Dr. Sami Al-Arian? (d) Based on this opinion, would it make it difficult for you to sit as a fair and impartial juror in this type of case?

52. How closely have you followed the media coverage of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians?

Very closely ____ Somewhat closely ______ Not too closely ______

(a) If you have followed the media coverage of this event, based on what you have heard or read, have you formed any opinions about the nature of this conflict?

Yes _____ No _____

67. Have you or any family members or close friends had any personal experience with acts of terrorism?

Yes _____ No _____ If yes, please explain:

72. Do you believe that the protections of free speech in a democracy extend both to citizens and non-citizens?

Yes _____ No _____ If not, please explain:

73. Do you believe that the criticism of United States foreign policy is protected free speech under the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution?

Yes _____ No _____ Please explain:

74. Can a person criticize the United States government and still be patriotic?

Yes _____ No _____ Please explain:

77. There may be evidence in this case consisting of tape recordings of conversations taking place over the telephone through the use of electronic devices commonly known as "wiretaps." Before received in evidence, the Court will have ruled that this evidence is lawfully before you and you may give it the weight you deem appropriate. How do you feel about electronic surveillance of private conversations?

83. Is there any matter not covered by this questionnaire that you feel you should tell us about? Yes _____ No _____If yes, please explain:

[Last modified May 18, 2005, 01:06:30]