Examination of Prospective Trial Jurors (Voir Dire)

(a) Examination. — After the prospective jurors are sworn on the voir dire, the court must question them individually or collectively to determine whether anyone: (1) Is related by blood, adoption, or marriage to the accused or to the Plaintiff or Defendant; (2) Is an officer, director, agent or employee of the Plaintiff or Defendant; (3) Has any interest in the trial or the outcome of the case; (4) Has acquired any information about the case or the parties from the news media or other sources and, if so, whether such information would affect the juror's impartiality in the case; (5) Has expressed or formed any opinion about the case; (6) Has a bias or prejudice against the Plaintiff or Defendant; or (7) Has any reason to believe the juror might not give a fair and impartial trial to the Plaintiff and Defendant based solely on the law and the evidence. Thereafter, the court, and counsel as of right, may examine on oath the venire, and any prospective juror, and ask questions relevant to the qualifications as an impartial juror. A party objecting to a juror may introduce competent evidence in support of the objection. (b) Challenge for Cause. — The court, on its own motion or following a challenge for cause, may excuse a prospective juror if it appears the juror is not qualified, and another will be drawn or called and placed in the juror's stead for the trial of that case. Promulgated by Order dated November 1, 2012; effective January 1, 2013. Last amended by Order dated November 23, 2020; effective March 1, 2021. RULES OF SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA PART THREE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE IN CIVIL ACTIONS