By Emma Dylan
The U.S. justice system is often lauded for its fairness and impartiality. It is controlled by rules and procedures designed to protect all citizens’ rights, defendants, and victims. There are many ways that the system ensures to stay like this. One of them is the Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution and was ratified on December 15, 1791, limiting the federal government’s powers. These amendments were written in response to the people’s grievances with the new government that people put into place after the Revolutionary War.
Many of these amendments protect an individual’s rights during a criminal trial, such as the Fifth Amendment, which protects against self-incrimination or taking the witness stand in one’s defense.
The U.S. justice system is often lauded for its fairness and impartiality because it is controlled by a set of rules and procedures that are designed to protect the rights of all citizens, both defendants, and victims. The Bill of Rights is one way that the system ensures to stay like this. Moreover, a jury system provides that the Bill of Rights is well-represented during court hearings.
Jury Systems
A jury is a group of citizens chosen to hear the evidence in a criminal or civil case and render a verdict based on that evidence.
In the United States, juries are typically composed of 12 members, although some states allow for fewer. The jury system is an integral part of the U.S. justice system because it will enable average citizens to have a direct say in the outcome of a case. It also gives defendants and plaintiffs a chance to have their cases heard by a group of people who are not legally trained and may be more sympathetic to their side of the story.
Essentially, this helps to ensure that the Bill of Rights is followed during court proceedings, as jurors can consider the rights of both the defendant and the victim when deliberating.
Selection of Jurors
Jurors in the United States are typically selected through a process known as jury selection or voir dire.
This is a process whereby lawyers from both sides question potential jurors to determine whether or not they will be able to render an impartial verdict.
During jury selection, lawyers will often ask questions about the potential juror’s personal life, beliefs, and background to determine whether or not they would be a good fit for the case.
For example, if the case involves a defendant accused of murder, the prosecution may try to exclude people who have personal experience with homicide or violence from the jury. Someone who has experienced such a history is more likely to sympathize with the defendant and be less likely to find them guilty. This experience can affect the general state of the hearing and is not allowed.
On the other hand, if the case is a civil suit between two businesses, the lawyers may try to exclude people who have strong feelings about one type of business or another.
The jury selection process can be very lengthy, particularly in high-profile cases where a lot is at stake. It may take weeks or even months to select a jury in some instances.
Once a jury has been selected, they will hear the evidence in the case and render a verdict based on that evidence.
What is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is the civic responsibility of all eligible citizens to serve on a jury. In the United States, jury duty is mandated by the Constitution and is an essential part of the justice system.
When you are called for jury duty, you will be asked to appear at your local courthouse on a specific date and time. At the courthouse, you will be given instructions on how to fill out a juror questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask basic questions about your background, work history, and any criminal convictions that you may have.
Once you have completed the questionnaire, you will be asked to wait in the courtroom until your name is called.
You will be asked to step forward and sit in the jury box when your name is called. The judge will then ask you a series of questions to determine whether or not you are qualified to serve on the jury. If the judge determines that you are qualified, you will be sworn in and become a jury member.
Once you’re a part of the jury, you need to know a couple of things. First, know that you will be recorded. Video court reporters exist in court, and they are meant to capture the action. The trial will most likely be recorded, so anything you say can and will be used against you in the deliberation room.
When you are seated in the jury box, pay attention to everything going on. First, the lawyers will present their opening statements, followed by witnesses who testify about what they saw or heard. Then, after all the evidence has been submitted, the lawyers will give their closing arguments, and then the judge will charge the jury.
The judge’s charge explains the law that applies to the case. Once the judge has finished charging the jury, they will retire to the deliberation room to discuss the issue and render a verdict. You mustn’t discuss the case with anyone outside of the jury.
Once you have reached a verdict, you will return to the courtroom, and the judgment will be read aloud.
Serving on a jury is one of the most important civic duties that you can perform. It is an essential part of the justice system and helps to ensure that defendants are given a fair trial. So make sure you do your research and do your best when you become a part of the jury.
