The legal system is a crucial aspect of the justice system in any country, and trials are a vital component of this system. Trials are used to determine an individual’s guilt or innocence, resolve disputes between parties, or make decisions on civil matters.
The type of trial used depends on the nature of the case, the parties involved, and the jurisdiction in which the problem occurs. When you opt for an accredited online law degree program, like the one offered by Cleveland State University in Ohio, not only will you learn about the legal concepts and how to devise trial strategies, but you will also be taught the basic tenets of legal trials and the different types of problems that take place in the US.
Jury trials
A jury trial is a type of trial in which a group of citizens, known as jurors, listen to the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense and decide on the verdict. The number of jurors in a trial varies depending on the jurisdiction. Most states require 12 jury members, but the number can be anywhere from six to 12 people. Jury trials are typically used in criminal cases where the defendant faces serious charges, such as murder or theft. From April 2019 to March 2020, fewer than 2% of federal criminal cases were jury trials.
The jury’s role is to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant based on the evidence presented in the trial. The prosecution and defense present their arguments, call witnesses to the stand, and cross-examine each other’s witnesses to try to convince the jury of their case and win a guilty or not guilty verdict.
After hearing the arguments of the prosecution and defense, the jury deliberates in private to reach a verdict. If a jury has a question about the trial, the foreperson writes it on paper and hands it to the bailiff, who then delivers it to the judge. The judge responds to the question in an unbiased manner. The judge does not provide any information to the jury other than to remind the members of their duty. The judge does not give any information to the jury other than to remind the members of their commitment.
