When may the clerk administer the oath to prospective jurors for voir dire?

When may the clerk administer the oath to prospective jurors for voir dire?

• A. when directed to do so by the judge
• B. never
• C. the clerk's discretion
• D. only after the judge calls for voir dire

Answer: (A)

The situation tested is who controls the administration of the oath for prospective jurors during voir dire. The clerk’s role is ministerial and operates under the judge’s supervision. Because the judge directs the order and manner of courtroom procedures, the clerk may administer the oath to prospective jurors only when the judge specifically directs it. This maintains proper judicial oversight and ensures the oath is administered at the appropriate moment as the voir dire begins. It isn’t something the clerk does on their own, and it isn’t correct to say it happens only after the judge calls for voir dire or never.

The situation tested is who controls the administration of the oath for prospective jurors during voir dire. The clerk’s role is ministerial and operates under the judge’s supervision. Because the judge directs the order and manner of courtroom procedures, the clerk may administer the oath to prospective jurors only when the judge specifically directs it. This maintains proper judicial oversight and ensures the oath is administered at the appropriate moment as the voir dire begins. It isn’t something the clerk does on their own, and it isn’t correct to say it happens only after the judge calls for voir dire or never.