California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Brewer, A127336 (Cal. App. 2011):
The trial court did not err in so ruling. "In general, the qualification[s] of jurors challenged for cause are 'matters within the wide discretion of the trial court, seldom disturbed on appeal.' " (People v. Kaurish (1990) 52 Cal.3d 648, 675.) "[W]here answers given on voir dire are equivocal or conflicting, the trial court's assessment of the person's state of mind is generally binding on appeal. [Citation.] The trial court is in the unique position of assessing demeanor, tone, and credibility firsthandfactors of 'critical importance in assessing the attitude and qualifications of potential jurors.' [Citation.] Hence, the trial judge may be left with the 'definite impression' that the person cannot impartially apply the law even though, as is often true, he has not expressed his views with absolute clarity. [Citation.]" (People v. DePriest (2007) 42 Cal.4th 1, 21.)
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