Jury nullification is when a jury acquits a defendant who violated the law, but the jury disagrees with the law. It can be a powerful tool for citizens to express their views on the law and has been used to rebut unjust laws. However, it is controversial and can be abused for racist or bigoted […]
The Seventh Amendment of the US Constitution allows for a jury trial in civil cases where the dispute is worth over $20 USD. It aims to maintain a distinction between the roles of judges and juries, as in common law. This right is enforced at the federal level, but individuals can waive it, and state […]
People can be excused from jury duty if they have a situation or condition that makes it difficult for them to serve. Lying to be excused is illegal, and ignoring a summons is usually illegal. Exemptions may depend on jurisdiction and can include illness, childcare, financial hardship, and student status. Legitimate engagements can result in […]
Jurors may receive compensation for serving in a trial, including mileage and temporary suspension from jury summons. Jurors are typically not compensated for the first day, but receive a daily rate thereafter. Court clerks can provide information and proof of service. Safety concerns may arise in high-profile cases, and jurors may receive security measures and […]
A grand jury is a group of people who examine evidence presented by a prosecutor to decide whether to indict someone for a serious crime. State grand juries determine probable cause for indictment, while trial juries determine guilt. Every state court system in the US can use grand juries, but they may not convene regularly. […]
The jury duty scam involves someone claiming to be a court official and telling the victim they have failed in jury duty and there is a warrant out for their arrest. The scammer then asks for personal information. This scam can be avoided by not releasing personal information over the phone and verifying the information […]
Jury duty reimbursement is available for state and federal courts in the US, with varying compensation rates and formulas. Employers may be required to compensate jurors for the first few days, and jurors are reimbursed for expenses. Other common law countries also provide some form of reimbursement. Reimbursement of jury duty is money paid to […]
Jury salaries vary by jurisdiction and may be the only source of income for some jurors. Employers may or may not be required to compensate employees during jury service, but are prohibited from firing or demoting them. Jurors may experience financial hardship due to low salaries and can request release from jury duty. Jury salaries […]
There are legitimate ways to avoid jury duty, such as financial or extreme hardship, being a public servant, or having certain age or educational requirements. Lying to avoid jury duty can result in fines or jail time. Some regions exempt students from jury duty, but the court clerk can deny requests. There are several legitimate […]
Serving on a criminal jury is a vital responsibility in the justice system. The jury decides if a defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor presents evidence, and the defense attorney cross-examines witnesses. The defendant has the right not to testify, and the jury must decide unanimously. Serving on a criminal jury is […]
Jury selection involves creating a list of eligible citizens, selecting jurors for a case, and examining them under oath. Scientific jury selection (SJS) is used by consultants to help attorneys choose a favorable jury. SJS uses community surveys, focus groups, and mock trials to gather evidence. Attorneys can use peremptory or justification appeals to remove […]
Jury verdict research is a tool used by lawyers to prepare for trial and develop a strategy. Results from similar cases are compiled and compared to gather important information. Lawyers use this to learn how to effectively argue their cases in court, develop accurate damages claims, and identify techniques to use and avoid in court. […]
A jury waiver is a circumstance that prevents a prospective juror from serving on a jury, such as health, personal hardship, job position, or age. Many jurisdictions have specific guidelines for exemptions, and some countries have legislation providing uniformity. Sometimes referred to as a jury excuse or jury waiver, a jury waiver is any circumstance […]
County grand juries in the United States determine whether to formally charge a suspect in a criminal case or provide oversight to county government in civil matters. They consist of randomly selected individuals and are required in California. They also exist in the federal court system and many state and/or county court systems. County civil […]
Defendants in the US have the right to a jury trial, but may waive it due to costs, risks, or the option of a plea deal. Jury trials are expensive for both parties, and juries may base their verdict on irrelevant evidence. Plea deals offer a predetermined sentence and avoid the risk and expense of […]
Jury duty exemptions in the US vary by jurisdiction and include exemptions for government employees, military personnel, students, those over 70, and those with family or health issues. Recent jurors and those with criminal records may also be exempt. Employers are not required to pay employees for jury duty. In the United States, the different […]
In the US, prosecutors must convince a grand jury of probable cause to justify a criminal charge and trial. Grand jury testimony is not given under oath, and witnesses are not subject to perjury. Grand juries are meant to ensure fair treatment of the defendant, but have come under criticism for only hearing one side […]
A jury consultant works with attorneys during jury selection and the trial, observing prospective jurors and influencing decisions about who would be most likely to return a favorable verdict. They may also review the case with the attorney after a verdict and suggest changes in closing statements. The field is not an exact science and […]
A federal grand jury decides whether to indict someone for a crime and may investigate criminal activity. They consist of 16-23 ordinary citizens appointed by a federal court, with a foreman and deputy foreman. The work is done privately, and witnesses cannot have their counsel present. Regular grand juries serve about 18 months, and special […]
Jury duty is mandatory in the US unless excused for reasons such as disability, age, or caretaking responsibilities. Jurors are randomly selected and may be chosen more than once. The length of service varies, and voir dire is used to select unbiased jurors. Failure to respond to a subpoena can result in fines or imprisonment. […]
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