Jury selection part art, part science

Selecting people to sit on a jury is one of the most daunting tasks lawyers have to face.

Part art, part science and part guesswork, the process allows a scant few minutes for attorneys to size up total strangers and decide if they have what it takes to assume the task of deciding guilt or innocence.

The questions posed to prospective jurors cover their backgrounds and their understanding of basic concepts of law and fairness.

But the attorneys also try to connect with the individuals they are questioning by asking about their choices in reading material, hobbies and entertainment.

And on top of all that, they also try to get the prospective jurors to relax in the unfamiliar and slightly intimidating landscape of the courtroom - because it is much easier to get to know someone when they are relaxed.

Assistant State's Attorney Michael Mermel demonstrated the skills he has honed in more than 30 years of jury picking this week as the panel to hear the Juan Rivera murder case was chosen.

Mermel rose to question a female office manager for Morgan Stanley who had already told Circuit Judge Christopher Starck that she was a huge fan of the NBC sitcom "The Office."

His first question could not have been better aimed at making her feel at ease - it hit her right in the funny bone.

"Could you tell me please," Mermel asked, "If your branch of Morgan Stanley handles any investments for the Dunder-Mifflin paper company?"

The woman and a handful of others in the courtroom laughed out loud while others present did not realize that Mermel had just named the fictional corporation at which "The Office" is set.

Later on in the day, Mermel went to question a professional carpenter who had said he builds automotive engines and reads the occasional drag racing magazine.

"So what is it; bowtie, oval or Mopar," Mermel queried, seemingly speaking a foreign language.

Foreign except perhaps to the carpenter and any other gear heads in the room who knew immediately that Mermel was asking the man if he preferred cars made by, in the order of his question, Chevrolet, Ford or Chrysler.

"Mopar," he replied without hesitation and with a wide grin.

Neither of those people made the cut for the Juan Rivera jury, but at least they went home with a smile.

Pirates beware:

Those contemplating treachery on the high seas of Lake County this boating season may well want to take pause before setting out for plunder.

The Lake County sheriff's office has renewed its contracts for its marine unit to patrol Gages Lake, the Chain O' Lakes, Lake Michigan and Third Lake.

Sheriff Mark Curran said the unit has 52 officers and nine boats dedicated to keeping the peace on the water and last year logged over 10,300 hours on patrol.

They do it smartly as well, Curran said, as shown by the fact that the unit was approximately $60,000 under its $600,000 operations budget for last year.

Heard in the hallway:

Congratulations to Assistant State's Attorney Paul Bishop and Brandy Kuenhold of Lake Villa on their recent engagement.