Jury Trial

Judge

Makes legal decisions during trial, ensures smooth proceedings, determines sentencing, and can be elected or appointed.

Bailiff

An officer who maintains order in the courtroom.

Court Clerk

Manages court documents and scheduling.

Court Reporter

Records verbatim transcripts of courtroom proceedings.

Social Workers

Support individuals involved in the legal system, often helping with social issues.

Jury Selection

The process of choosing jurors for a trial.

Venire

A list of potential jurors that must represent the population and cannot exclude individuals based on race or gender.

Voir Dire

The preliminary examination of jury members.

Peremptory Challenge

An attorney's right to remove a potential juror without stating a reason.

Batson v. Kentucky (1986)

A Supreme Court case that ruled that jurors cannot be excluded based on race.

Opening Statements

Initial summaries presented by both sides to provide a factual overview of their cases.

Direct Evidence

Evidence that directly links an individual to a crime, such as eyewitness testimony.

Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence that requires an inference or assumption to connect it to a conclusion, such as DNA.

Closing Arguments

Final summaries made by defense and prosecution to persuade the jury.

Judge’s Charge to the Jury

Instructions given by the judge to the jury about the law they must follow during deliberation.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

A legal principle stating that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof required in criminal trials; the jurors must have no reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt.

Jury Deliberation

The process by which the jury discusses the case to reach a verdict.

Jury Foreman/Woman

The juror elected to lead the deliberation process and report the verdict.

Guilty

A verdict indicating that the jury believes the defendant committed the crime.

Hung Jury

A jury that cannot reach a unanimous decision, leading the judge to declare a mistrial.

Allen Charge

A directive given by a judge to a deadlocked jury to encourage them to continue deliberating.

Acquittal

A verdict of not guilty, indicating the defendant is cleared of the charges.

Federal Courts Jury Requirement

Require a jury of 12.

State Courts Capital Cases Jury Requirement

Require 12 jurors in capital cases, though variations may exist.

Strict Rules for Evidence Presentation

Legal standards that govern how evidence must be shown in court.

Summarized Logical Presentation

Opening statements should create a vivid mental picture of events.

Unanimity Requirement in Federal Cases

A decision must be unanimous for a verdict in federal criminal trials.