It is quite understandable to be nervous or frustrated when you’re called for jury duty. This means you will be away from your regular work life for a while.
Having said that, it is possible to turn jury duty into a memorable and enjoyable experience. You would be actively involved in the crux of the American legal system while still fulfilling your civic duty.
Only around 20% of those summoned go on to serve on the jury. So, there is a fair chance you can return to your everyday life after the first day.
However, if you make it through the process of jury selection, it should be an excellent opportunity to have first-hand experience of our justice system.
Not sure what to expect? We have an overview of what a jury duty experience generally feels like. Read on!
What Would Be the First Step?
After your identity is confirmed, you will be directed to a large room with a capacity of a few hundred seats. You will be given a heads-up on what’s expected of you during jury duty and will be shown an informative video along with some handouts.
Eventually, you will be called into a courtroom with other potential jurors. The judge will explain the primary background of the case’s facts. This could entail the charges, the dispute, or the nature of the cases—criminal or civil trials, for example. The judge will also introduce the parties and their attorneys involved in the case.
Jury Selection
Attorneys interrogate the group and individuals regarding potential biases against the parties or preconceived conceptions regarding case elements. This method assists lawyers in selecting or excluding jurors.
Your age, occupation, education, family, and interests are just a few details the lawyers can ask you to fill out on a questionnaire.
The judge will also offer you an estimate of how long the trial should last during the voir dire. It could last anywhere from a few days to weeks or months.
You will then be sworn in as a member of the jury if you are not dismissed. You will find information in the jury instructions to make sure you understand the main points of the legislation as well as the fundamentals of jury deliberation.
The instructions for the jury are written by the judge and distributed to the jurors. The court will demand that you refrain from engaging in case-related discussion with anyone, including your fellow jurors.
Commencement of the Hearing
The lawyers will make their opening statements to start the session. Following the voir dire and before the parties present their evidence, this is where they make their opening presentation at the trial.
An outline of the criminal trial or civil case is intended to be provided in the opening statement. A lawyer will explain the evidence the parties submit, as well as pertinent facts and legal issues.
Following this, the judge will hear the attorneys’ motions and arguments. This is frequently carried out without the jury’s presence. The trial ends when the parties present their closing arguments. After educating the jury on the pertinent laws, the jurors will begin their deliberations in the private room.
Making a Verdict
The judge’s instructions are typically given following the conclusion of the evidence or closing argument. In their deliberations, the jury will use this as a reference for the key legal concepts to consider. It also includes an analysis of the facts and details of the applicable laws pertinent to the case.
A good chunk of time could pass during jury deliberations. In order to make sense of the case and the facts presented to you and the other jurors, you may rely on your personal experiences.
However, using external resources, such as the internet or libraries, is forbidden. Any queries the jurors may have for additional explanation must be brought before the judge.
Examining evidence that was not presented during the trial is seen as “juror misconduct.” If that occurs, the judge would declare a mistrial, requiring a fresh jury to deliberate on the case.
The judge will declare the case “hung” and order a new trial if the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision.
Reaching the Final Stage
Assuming everything goes according to plan, you will let the bailiff know what the jury finds. Once back in the courtroom, the judge or jury foreperson will read the verdict to you. You will receive a thank-you from the court at that point, marking the end of your jury duty.