Rule 47. Jurors and peremptory challenges
Effective March 1, 1997
(A) Number of jurors in civil cases.
In all civil cases, the jury shall consist of six (6) members.
(B) Alternate Jurors.
The Court may direct that no more than three (3) jurors in addition to the regular jury be called and impanelled to sit as alternate jurors. Alternate jurors in the order in which they are called shall replace jurors who, prior to the time the jury returns its verdict, become or are found to be unable or disqualified to perform their duties. Alternate jurors shall be drawn in the same manner, shall have the same qualifications, shall be subject to the same examination and challenges, shall take the same oath, and shall have the same functions, powers, facilities and privileges as the regular jurors. An alternate juror who does not replace a regular juror shall be discharged after the jury brings in its verdict. If alternate jurors are permitted to attend deliberations, they shall be instructed not to participate.
(C) Peremptory Challenges.
(1) Each side shall have three (3) peremptory challenges.
(2) In addition to the peremptory challenges under subsection (1), each side is entitled to:
(a) one (1) peremptory challenge if the court directs that one (1) or two alternate jurors are to be impanelled; or
(b) two (2) peremptory challenges if the court directs that three (3) alternate jurors are to be impanelled.
(3) The additional peremptory challenges under subsection (2) may be used only against alternate jurors and the peremptory challenges under subsection (1) may not be used against alternate jurors.
(D) Examination of jurors.
The court shall permit the parties or their attorneys to conduct the examination of prospective jurors, and may conduct examination itself. The court’s examination may include questions, if any, submitted in writing by any party or attorney. If the court conducts the examination, it shall permit the parties or their attorneys to supplement the examination by further inquiry. The court may impose an advance time limitation upon such examination by the parties or their attorneys. At the expiration of said limitation, the court shall liberally grant additional reasonable time upon a showing of good cause related to the nature of the case, the quantity of prospective jurors examined and juror vacancies remaining, and the manner and content of the inquiries and responses given by the prospective jurors. The court may prohibit the parties and their attorneys from examination which is repetitive, argumentative, or otherwise improper but shall permit reasonable inquiry of the panel and individual prospective jurors.