What are the advantages of a jury trial?

One of the benefits of a jury trial is that your attorney can more effectively use emotional arguments to persuade the jury to find in your favor. Since civil cases are decided based on the preponderance of evidence as a standard of proof, juries are more likely to respond to a compelling story.

How does a jury trial work?

The jury listens to the evidence during a trial, decides what facts the evidence has established, and draws inferences from those facts to form the basis for their decision. The jury decides whether a defendant is “guilty” or “not guilty” in criminal cases, and “liable” or “not liable” in civil cases.

What happens if a jury isn’t unanimous?

If the jurors cannot agree on a verdict, a hung jury results, leading to a mistrial. The case is not decided, and it may be tried again at a later date before a new jury. Or the plaintiff or government may decide not to pursue the case further and there will be no subsequent trial.

What is the process for empanelling a jury?

Jury lists are compiled from voter registrations and driver license or ID renewals. A panel of jurors is then assigned to a courtroom. The prospective jurors are randomly selected to sit in the jury box. At this stage, they will be questioned in court by the judge and/or attorneys in the United States.

Does a jury need to be unanimous?

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that jury verdicts in trials for serious crimes must be unanimous. Two states, Louisiana and Oregon, allowed defendants to be convicted on divided votes. He will likely get a new trial.

What are the 3 possible verdicts of a court case?

There are three possible outcomes on all three charges: guilty; not guilty and not proven. The first two are self-explanatory, but the third, not proven, is an acquittal. Should the charges against the Libyans be found not proven they will walk free, but without having their innocence vindicated.

Can a judge go against a jury?

To overturn a guilty verdict, the judge must look at all evidence presented most favorable to the prosecution. The judge can only grant judgment to overturn the verdict if the evidence clearly fails to establish guilt. A judge will never interfere with a jury’s decision and process unless there is a legitimate reason.

Can a judge object to evidence?

An objection is how you tell the judge that the other person’s evidence, testimony, or question shouldn’t be allowed. You can object to the entry of any form of evidence, as long as your objection is based on the rules of evidence in your jurisdiction.