§635-27  Examination for cause.  Each party shall have the right, under the direction of the court, to examine a proposed juror as to the proposed juror's qualifications, interest, or bias that would affect the trial of the cause and as to any matter that might tend to affect the proposed juror's verdict.  Each party may introduce competent evidence to show the disqualification, interest, or bias of any juror. [L 1905, c 5, §1; RL 1925, §2416; am L 1931, c 294, §1; RL 1935, §3734; RL 1945, §10110; RL 1955, §231-10; HRS §635-27; am L 1972, c 89, §2B(h); gen ch 1985]

Cross References

  Grounds for disqualification, see §§612-4 and 612-5.

Rules of Court

  See HRCP rule 47(a); HRPP rule 24(a).

Case Notes

  Prospective juror must be challenged for cause before juror is sworn.  5 H. 634 (1886).

  Statement of juror though not sworn may be relied upon.  9 H. 622 (1895).

  Refusal to sustain challenges for proper cause may result in reversible error.  23 H. 792 (1917).

  Examination of prospective jurors upon voir dire party entitled to ask questions which will aid judge in determining whether juror should be excused for cause and also, within reasonable limits, all questions which may enlighten attorney upon question whether attorney should exercise peremptory challenges.  32 H. 543 (1932).

  Court's refusal to allow voir dire inquiries into specific possible prejudices of prospective jurors upheld as within discretion.  57 H. 492, 559 P.2d 728 (1977).

  Cited:  20 H. 7, 15 (1910).