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The American legal system has long depended upon the lowly juror to effectuate justice within its system. The juror is the fact-finder in most civil criminal matters in a court of law in the United States. The juror decides which set of presented facts represents the best truth, and how to mete out justice based on those findings. And although we do not think about it often, as a fact-finder, the juror is pivotal in protecting society from abuse by corporate and governmental entities. It is an important duty and not one to be discharged lightly.
But let’s face it, for many of us, serving on a jury is a chore. Even if we are in a position in which our employer will pay us for the time spent waiting in a jury pool, we …show more content…
Allow potential jurors to indicate their availability to serve before the process begins. Jurors may enter their availability for a two-day trial, a week trial and the dates they are available. If not used during their available times, they should be dismissed.
Reform #2: Allow Jurors To Take Notes.
Jurors are required to determine what facts to believe, which witnesses to believe, what experts to believe. Often, cases present complex issues and convoluted facts. Allow jurors to take notes during a trial. It helps the jurors sort through and remember the facts and witnesses presented. It allows them to note what questions remain unanswered for them. Overall, it allows them to be more involved in the proceedings in positive ways.
Reform #3: Allow Jurors To Ask Questions.
We need to stop treating jurors like uneducated children. Jurors often have questions regarding the evidence and law presented. Allowing jurors to ask questions allows them to remain an integral part of the proceedings. It tells the jurors that we care about not only the outcome of the trial, but about their process along the way.
Reform #4: Require Judges to Tell Jurors What the Law Is, What Evidence Is Being Excluded And …show more content…
We may not all know the term “fruit of the poisonous tree,” but we know that some matters are determined within the judge’s chambers and not in the courtroom. It offends the sensibilities of jurors to know that evidence is excluded and that they are not being informed of it. We need to allow more transparency in the court room. Tell jurors what the law is. Tell jurors what is being excluded and why. Trust that jurors will make the correct decisions.
Reform #5: Allow Jurors To Discuss The Evidence And The Proceedings Among Themselves As The Trial Progresses.
When jurors are allowed to discuss the proceeding as they unfold, jurors remain more involved in the process. As the trial unfolds, jurors remain actively analytical rather than passively present. This benefits
The American legal system has long depended upon the lowly juror to effectuate justice within its system. The juror is the fact-finder in most civil criminal matters in a court of law in the United States. The juror decides which set of presented facts represents the best truth, and how to mete out justice based on those findings. And although we do not think about it often, as a fact-finder, the juror is pivotal in protecting society from abuse by corporate and governmental entities. It is an important duty and not one to be discharged lightly.
But let’s face it, for many of us, serving on a jury is a chore. Even if we are in a position in which our employer will pay us for the time spent waiting in a jury pool, we …show more content…
Allow potential jurors to indicate their availability to serve before the process begins. Jurors may enter their availability for a two-day trial, a week trial and the dates they are available. If not used during their available times, they should be dismissed.
Reform #2: Allow Jurors To Take Notes.
Jurors are required to determine what facts to believe, which witnesses to believe, what experts to believe. Often, cases present complex issues and convoluted facts. Allow jurors to take notes during a trial. It helps the jurors sort through and remember the facts and witnesses presented. It allows them to note what questions remain unanswered for them. Overall, it allows them to be more involved in the proceedings in positive ways.
Reform #3: Allow Jurors To Ask Questions.
We need to stop treating jurors like uneducated children. Jurors often have questions regarding the evidence and law presented. Allowing jurors to ask questions allows them to remain an integral part of the proceedings. It tells the jurors that we care about not only the outcome of the trial, but about their process along the way.
Reform #4: Require Judges to Tell Jurors What the Law Is, What Evidence Is Being Excluded And …show more content…
We may not all know the term “fruit of the poisonous tree,” but we know that some matters are determined within the judge’s chambers and not in the courtroom. It offends the sensibilities of jurors to know that evidence is excluded and that they are not being informed of it. We need to allow more transparency in the court room. Tell jurors what the law is. Tell jurors what is being excluded and why. Trust that jurors will make the correct decisions.
Reform #5: Allow Jurors To Discuss The Evidence And The Proceedings Among Themselves As The Trial Progresses.
When jurors are allowed to discuss the proceeding as they unfold, jurors remain more involved in the process. As the trial unfolds, jurors remain actively analytical rather than passively present. This benefits