Lecture on Pretrial Activities and Jury Selection

The flashcards cover key concepts regarding pretrial activities, jury selection, and the rights related to jury service based on the lecture notes.

What is a motion for recusal?

It is a request for the removal of a trial judge or prosecutor due to a perceived lack of impartiality.

What does a motion for expenses of experts entail?

It requests that the state pay for costs related to psychological evaluations or other types of expert testimony.

What is a trial management order?

A full schedule created by the court that designates what will happen and when as the parties work toward the trial date.

What generally requires a trial to be conducted within six months?

The right to a speedy trial.

What is the role of jurors in a trial?

Jurors act as fact finders, listening to evidence, deliberating, and delivering a verdict.

How many jurors are required in federal criminal cases?

Twelve jurors are required.

What is a venire?

A list of potential jurors from which the jury is selected.

What is voir dire?

The process where prospective jurors are questioned under oath by the judge and attorneys to determine their suitability.

What is a challenge for cause?

A legal reason to remove a potential juror because they are believed unable to be unbiased.

What is a peremptory challenge?

A type of challenge that allows an attorney to remove a juror without providing a legal reason.

What does the Sixth Amendment guarantee in criminal prosecutions?

The right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.

What is the significance of the Taylor v. Louisiana case?

It ruled that women could not be forced to register for jury duty, ensuring a representative jury.

Why are peremptory challenges limited in number?

To prevent abuse in the selection process and ensure fair representation in jury composition.

What is the current state of gender diversity in juries?

Women are legally allowed to serve on juries, but peremptory challenges can still be used to exclude them.

How does race impact bail and plea bargaining decisions?

Black defendants are less likely to be offered bail and often receive harsher plea deals compared to White defendants.