The Court conducts jury selection by the strike method. The Court follows the same procedure relative to jury selection in criminal trials as in civil trials. In civil cases the Court seats up to nine jurors. All jurors participate in the deliberations. Proposed Voir dire questions must be submitted to the Court one (1) week prior to trial. The Court follows the federal rules with regard to peremptory challenges. One set of joint jury instructions must be filed the first day of trial. Jurors are permitted to take instructions into the jury room during deliberation. The Court generally does not allow the jury to take notes. The Court discourages bench conferences during trial proceedings. The Court prefers counsel to request permission to approach the bench and/or to approach a witness. In criminal cases, the Court generally seats 14 jurors.