How are jury instructions used in each case?
Every case is different, and many times, the attorneys will have to submit to the court the jury instructions they propose that the Court use. Of course, each side will submit language that may be more in their own favor than the other side.
When to use juror questionnaire for civil cases?
This Juror Questionnaire is intended for use in the court’s discretion in appropriate civil cases. Its use in cases of brief duration may not be appropriate. Particular kinds of cases may require that this questionnaire be altered or augmented.
How are criminal and civil court cases conducted?
Trials in criminal and civil cases are generally conducted the same way. After all the evidence has been presented and the judge has explained the law related to the case to a jury, the jurors decide the facts in the case and render a verdict. If there is no jury, the judge makes a decision on the case.
How can we select jury members who have not heard of these defendants?
So if a case involves a high-profile defendant who has become a household name — a Lt. Col. Oliver North or a Mayor Marion Barry or a Manuel Noriega or a Valdez Capt. Joseph Hazelwood or Leona Helmsley or Theodore Kaczynski or Mike Tyson or O.J. Simpson — how can we select jury members who have not heard of these defendants?
Can a lawyer ask for a jury trial?
In most instances, however, either party has the right to request a jury trial. An attorney will usually choose a jury for a sympathetic case and a judge for a case involving complicated law or disturbing facts. The thought is that a judge is in a better position to apply the law in an unbiased manner.
What happens at the end of a jury trial?
The judge determines the appropriate law that should be applied to the case and the jury finds the facts in the case based on what is presented to them during the proceedings. At the end of a trial, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law.
When does the judge read the jury instructions?
In a criminal trial, it is not unusual if the defense does not call any witnesses or that the defendant does not testify. The plaintiff or state may rebut the defense’s case. The judge will read the jury instructions to you. Sometimes they are read after closing arguments. Closing arguments.
What kind of cases are heard by juries?
Types of Cases Heard by Juries. There are two types of judicial proceedings in the federal courts that use juries. Criminal trial: An individual is accused of committing a crime that is considered against society as a whole.