Mock Jury Process

Prior to the mock jury activity in class, I did not know or understand much about the judicial or trial process. In this paper, I will just summarize the trial, my thoughts on the jury process and if I think justice is achieved through these systems. I have been in a court situation before where I have needed to testify, so I understand a bit more about the trial system than someone who hasn’t experienced it. The mock trial was a very engaging and helpful activity where I was able to more fully understand what happens in a trial. I was able to put myself in the juror’s shoes and to feel how tough of a decision it is because someone’s life is in your hands. The situation in this trial was that Mr. Sanchez (the defendant) killed a man, by the name of Mr. Botello. Mr. Sanchez claims he stabbed Mr. Botello to defend himself, but the prosecutors think …show more content…
I think that the procedures that affect the search for truth is the jury selection system. I don’t believe we should remove someone from the jury for working in the legal system. It seems like they would want someone on the jury who is familiar with the legal system and would be qualified to make a fair, honest decision. I also thought it would very odd when Mr. Sanchez’s lawyer told him what to say and how to act on the stand. It seems like to me they would want the real reaction of the defendant rather than a manipulated version of the defendant. Our jury arrived at the same verdict that the real jury chose, but I am not completely convinced it was the correct one. I think one could argue that he didn’t have a regard for someone’s life if he was willing to come in a house with a chainsaw, with the chance it could hurt someone. I, personally, would have argued it was second degree, but I could persuaded that it is manslaughter. I think it is tricky to tell the