So, you’ve been selected to be a juror. Congratulations! You are going to partake in one of the most important aspects of our legal system: the right for the accused to be judged by a counsel of their peers. While many people shirk the responsibility of being a juror, many also embrace the opportunity. This article is for the latter group. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you start your civic duty as a juror:
- One of the most important things a juror should think about is not to make any conclusions about the case until you hear all the evidence presented. In our country, suspects are innocent until proven guilty, and your thoughts at the beginning of the case may very well change before the trial is over. Save your conclusion-making until the Deliberation period, and just focus on absorbing all the evidence presented by both sides. In a criminal trial, the prosecution presents their side first, then the defendant presents their side, so it’s important to keep an open mind until you hear both sides.
- It is important to be completely honest and authentic throughout the jury duty experience. During the jury selection process (known as a Voir Dire), the attorneys and judge will ask you questions to determine if you will be selected to be a member in the final jury. If you fail to answer honestly to these questions, you could cause a mistrial and appeal after the case is finished. If you have anything sensitive you need to share, you can do so by speaking to the judge privately. The purpose of the questioning is to understand your opinions and thoughts on certain topics, so there’s no need to try to try to say what you think the lawyers and judge want (or don’t want) to hear. Honesty is always the best policy!
- If allowed by the judge, it’s a good idea to take notes. Trials can be long and filled with details, so keeping notes will help you remember aspects of the trial when it comes to Deliberations. Trials can also be exceedingly dry, and taking notes will help you stay engaged and focused.
- Asking questions is perfectly fine during the trial. Lawyers are sometimes so involved in their own case that they don’t realize that jurors don’t understand every legal concept. Some jurisdictions even allow jurors to ask questions directly to the lawyers. It’s important that you understand all the facts of the case to make an informed decision, so the judge will be happy to help you understand the law.
The opportunity to be on a jury is a luxury that residents in many other parts of the world view as a privilege. Treat it as such and know that you’re contributing to a better country for everyone.