What is it like to serve on a jury?
What is it like to serve on a jury?
Jurors typically spend long periods of time in the assembly room, which is often well-stocked with things like magazines and puzzles. Bring a good book or something else to keep yourself occupied during all the down time. At some point, you’ll get called into a courtroom with a group of other potential jurors.
Why you should serve on a jury?
Jurors perform a vital role in the American system of justice. Jury service is a high duty of citizenship. Jurors aid in the maintenance of law and order and uphold justice among their fellow citizens. Their greatest reward is the knowledge that they have discharged this duty faithfully, honorably, and well.
How can I be a good jury?
Tips to being an effective Juror
- Know what Judges and Attorneys expect from Jurors.
- Be honest, forthcoming, and genuine.
- Listen attentively and take good notes.
- Ask questions if you do not understand.
- Listen to all the evidence prior to forming any conclusions about the case.
How do jurors make a decision?
Usually the court provides the jury with written forms of all possible verdicts, so that when a decision is reached, the jury has only to choose the proper verdict form. In most instances, the verdict in a criminal case must be unanimous. In some states a less than unanimous decision is permitted in civil cases.
Who selects the jury?
Lawyers and judges select juries by a process known as “voir dire,” which is Latin for “to speak the truth.” In voir dire, the judge and attorneys for both sides ask potential jurors questions to determine if they are competent and suitable to serve in the case.
What does jury duty mean?
When citizens are called to serve on a legal panel in court, that’s called jury duty. When you’re on jury duty, you have a responsibility to contribute to a verdict in a legal case. The answer is simply that it’s their turn for jury duty.
What are the examples in which a juror would be excused?
For cause – The law sets forth a number of reasons why jurors may be excused “for cause,” that is, for a specified reason, such as bias or prejudice. For example, a juror who is related to or employed by one of the parties in the case may be excused for cause. There is no limit to the number of challenges for cause.
What are some reasons why some people would not want to serve on a jury?
Either side can dismiss individuals from the jury for any number of reasons.
- Economic Hardship. One of the more common reasons people are excused from jury duty is because serving on the jury presents that person with an economic hardship.
- Personal Opinions.
- Felony Conviction.
- Family Issues.
- Physical/Mental Disabilities.
What if a juror gets sick?
It depends on how sick the juror is, whether the trial is civil or criminal, and whether an alternate juror is available. If the juror is not seriously ill, the judge could declare a short recess and then continue trial with the same juror. The juror could be excused and replaced with an alternate.