The jury looks at the speaker, quizzically. Who is he? His voice is strange. How is he dressed? What’s he talking about? We’ve been told this is his “opening,” but we just met him. Hard to concentrate on what he’s saying. It would have helped to have known him a bit before we had to concentrate on his words. He reminds me of Uncle Pete. She reminds me of Aunt Mary. I never liked either one of them. Why is this stranger talking at us so earnestly? What kind of a system is this anyway?
Welcome, jurors, to a federal court jury selection. These are the lawyers giving an opening who will try this important case before you. They were not allowed to speak to you during your selection. A judge, who doesn’t know the case as well as these lawyers, did all the talking and questioning.
