The bill H. 3228 proposes amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding jury selection procedures. It specifically amends Section 14-7-1050 to allow for attorney-conducted jury voir dire through oral and direct questioning, following a preliminary oath and a brief statement of the case by the trial judge. The amendments also establish that the scope of voir dire is determined by the trial judge and set guidelines for the types of questions that can be asked, including prohibitions on certain inquiries related to jurors' political views and religious beliefs. Additionally, it allows for a more flexible approach to the number of jurors drawn, as determined by the trial judge, and specifies the process for peremptory challenges.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 14-7-1060 to remove the requirement for a jury panel to consist of twenty jurors, giving the trial judge discretion over the number of jurors drawn. It also modifies Section 14-7-1080 to streamline the process for forming a second jury by eliminating the fixed number of jurors required. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the jury selection process in South Carolina courts. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 14-7-1050, 14-7-1060, 14-7-1080
Latest Version: 14-7-1050, 14-7-1060, 14-7-1080
12/06/2024: 14-7-1050, 14-7-1060, 14-7-1080