Before summoning prospective jurors, which statement is correct about writs of venire?

• A. The clerk issues the writ of venire without judge involvement.
• B. The judge must issue a writ of venire before summoning prospective jurors.
• C. Writs of venire are only for grand juries.
• D. A writ of venire is issued after juror summons.

Answer: (B)

A writ of venire is the court’s official order directing the sheriff to summon a panel of prospective jurors to appear for jury service. The judge must issue this writ before any juror summons can go out, since the writ provides the legal authority for the summons. The clerk may draft the writ or prepare the summons for signature, but jury process requires the judge’s action on the writ. Writs of venire are not only for grand juries; they are used to bring in prospective jurors for ordinary trials as well. Issuing the writ after the summons would leave the summons without a legal basis, so that sequence is incorrect.