THE STEPS IN A CRIMINAL TRAIL PT. 2
The definition for Trial Initiation is:
This is when a court case begins, and all parties prepare for the trial.
The definition for closing arguments is:
Closing arguments are when lawyers give their final speech to the jury explaining why their side should win.
Why did James Thomas spend over eight years in jail without a trial?
Because Louisiana didn’t have enough public defenders to handle his case.
What is the main goal of jury selection?
The main goal of jury selection is to make sure jurors are fair and unbiased before the trial starts.
According to the ruling in Edmonson v. Leesville (1991), what specific action is prohibited in civil lawsuits?
The Court ruled that race-based peremptory challenges are prohibited in civil suits.
The definition for Jury Selection is:
Lawyers select community members to listen to the case and decide the outcome.
The definition for Judge’s charge to the jury is:
Judge's charge to the jury is when the judge explains the law and how to decide.
What does the Constitution say about trials?
It says everyone has the right to a speedy trial.
What do lawyers do during jury selection?
Lawyers ask jurors questions to check if they can listen to the facts and decide fairly.
Which case prevents criminal defendants and their legal counsel from using race as a basis for excluding jurors?
Georgia v. McCollum (1992) extended the prohibition to include criminal defendants and their lawyers.
The definition for opening statements is:
When lawyers tell the jury what happened and what they will prove.
The definition for Jury deliberations is:
Jury deliberations are when the jury discusses the case privately to decide guilty or not guilty.
What can happen if someone’s trial is delayed for too long?
The charges against them may be dropped.
What happens if a juror has strong opinions about the case?
Jurors can be removed if they have strong opinions about the case.
Does a white defendant have the legal standing to challenge the exclusion of black individuals during grand jury selection? (yes or no)
Yes. In Campbell v. Louisiana (1998), the Court stated that white defendants can challenge discrimination against black individuals in grand jury selection.
The definition for Presentation of Evidence is:
Lawyers present proof and call witnesses to testify to support their case.
The definition for Verdict is:
Verdict is the jury's final decision about whether the person is guilty or not guilty.
What is the Speedy Trial Act?
It’s a law that sets deadlines for how quickly federal trials must happen.
Why do courts try to keep jurors away from news about the case?
Courts try to keep jurors from being influenced by news or outside information so they can make fair decisions based only on what they hear in court.
What was the specific constitutional violation identified in the case of Miller-El v. Cockrell (2003)?
The Court found that Dallas County prosecutors violated a defendant’s rights by intentionally excluding eligible black jurors.
In what term does it state that all parties are prepared for trail?
In Trail Initiation
What do the lawyers give to the Jury?
Their final speech on why their side should win.
Why do courts keep updating trial rules?
To make sure everyone’s right to a speedy trial is protected.
What tools might lawyers use to help them choose the best jurors?
Lawyers may use research or practice juries to help choose the best jurors.
How did the legal restrictions on peremptory challenges change between 1991 and 1992?
In 1991 (Edmonson), the prohibition of race-based challenges was applied to civil suits, and in 1992 (McCollum), it was extended to criminal defendants and their lawyers.