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 an important and vital civil responsibility in the justice system of any democratic society. While there are different types of juries, they usually have the responsibility of deciding whether or not a defendant is guilty of a crime. The members of the jury are committed to the verdict which they issue collectively. If he finds a defendant guilty, the judge imposes a sentence, or punishment, which often includes time in jail.
A scale can be a representation and symbol for legal justice. In civil trials, the scales need only tip slightly one way or the other for a jury to return a verdict in favor of that side. In a criminal trial, however, this scale must lean all the way towards the guilty for the jury to deliver such a verdict. This is also sometimes called fault beyond a reasonable doubt.
A defendant charged with a felony enters a trial with the presumption of innocence. It is up to the prosecutor to prove otherwise, with concrete evidence. He or she can present various types of facts and data to corroborate his or her case to the criminal jury. Witness testimony, photographs, digital media, physical evidence, or other types of evidence may be presented in an attempt to persuade members. A prosecutor must provide sufficient evidence to satisfy the burden of proof, beyond a reasonable doubt.
The defense attorney has the ability to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses. To this end, he often attempts to undermine the credibility of evidence or testimony, to create the reasonable doubt necessary for a not guilty verdict. The defense also has the option of presenting witnesses on behalf of its client.
In the United States, it is a defendant’s constitutional right to choose not to testify during a criminal trial. The jury is usually instructed not to take your lack of testimony as a sign of guilt. The defense attorney typically advises the client whether or not to testify, based on what is in the defendant’s best interests.
Once all the testimony and evidence has been presented, the criminal jury – which can include up to 15 members – is escorted to a private room where the members receive instructions on the deliberation. This is the first time they will be able to discuss the case. Together, they weigh all the evidence and draw conclusions based on the facts of the case. Unlike civil trials, the criminal jury is usually required to decide unanimously on a verdict. If they are unable to agree, it could result in a hung jury.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
