Jury Duty

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Jury Duty

It was because to find him guilty of assault our instructions required intent.

This is what makes a verdict (in my experience) so easy. The judge, prosecutor and defense lawyer all spell out the exact rules you must follow as a juror.
Any crime has a certain number of "elements", if a prosecutor can prove all of these you must chose guilty.
As a result the testimony and evidence leads you directly to a verdict.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Jury Duty

Got called once and selected once for a county grand jury. Had to meet 2-3 days a week sometimes only half days for about 7 weeks. Had 1 murder case, 1 rape case and about 40 child sex abuse cases. Was an eye opening experience to regard of our judicial system. I always tell people now dont ever put yourself in a position alone with a child where you could even remotely be accused of wrong doing. You will be indicted without doubt. Although I believe that most if not all people brought in front of us were probably guilty, the evidence which is presented to the grand jury sometimes is unbelievably thin. Videotaped interviews with 3 and 4 year olds was usually enough. At the time I had no children but having a 4 year old now he can say the wackiest things.

Kind of scary really but after sitting there for 6 weeks and your stomach turning everyday with these videotaped kids testimonies you became so jaded it was pretty easy to indict everybody. And the fact that you only need a majority out of 24 people it was a given that everyone got it.

Now just because you get indicted doesnt mean you get convicted but just being charged with something like that seems pretty serious. the only ones I was really uncomfortable with was the ones where x-wives or x girlfriends were instrumental in the case. If someone has it in for you on something like that you're a dead man.

 

[kwikk9]

Re: Jury Duty

it was pretty easy to indict everybody. And the fact that you only need a majority out of 24 people it was a given that everyone got it.

A good prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Jury Duty

Never been called... if I ever were called, it would be VERY doubtful I'd ever sit on a jury... if I did ever sit on a jury, I'm sure the judge would find me in contempt of court because of my deep seated hatred of violent offenders, or offenders that otherwise hurt other people.

 

[DJ]

Re: Jury Duty

I've been called several times, never chosen.

Hmmm, it must be the NRA hat and the noose I'm carrying. Nah, lawyers wouldn't "profile" would they?