When selecting a jury, attorneys want to know all they can about a juror so they can select or reject them. Attorneys want to know the potential jurors' backgrounds, beliefs, biases, etc. Sometimes this is harder than it seems; some potential jurors don't want to talk. I found a website that gives some examples on how to ask questions in a way that will get the jurors to actually reveal information about their backgrounds and biases:
"Dare to probe deeper in voir dire. Ask open questions, repeat the words of your jurors and give appropriate listening responses. Using these probe techniques will turn an interrogation into a conversation, as well as help you through those awkward moments when you don't know what to ask next.
The key to an effective probe is to be genuinely interested in what your jurors have to say. When you are open and interested in them, you will naturally ask open questions and give listening responses which will stimulate the jurors to open up to you."
I think it's very important to find out as much information as possible about a possible juror. The fate of someone's future is in their hands and there can't be any bias towards the defendant. I think the techniques on the website would be very effective. I also think that these techniques could be effective in other interrogations. If a detective talks to someone with the techniques the website suggests, they are probably going to be more open about giving information. That may not always work, however, in some situations dealing with a suspect. I'm glad that the court puts work into finding a good jury.