Civil vs Criminal
The Fencing Fiasco: A homeowner sues their neighbor for $2,000 because the neighbor built a fence six inches onto their property line.
Civil Court (A private dispute over property and money).
The Backyard Dispute: A neighbor sues another neighbor for $500 because their falling tree limb crushed a custom-built birdhouse.
State Court (Small claims/civil matter between residents of the same state).
What is it called when all members of a jury must come to the same decision.
Unanimous
Who is the person who is in charge of the courtroom. This persons job is to interpret the law, ensure fairness, and determining sentences or punishment if needed.
Judge
True or False: People serving on a jury should come from all different backgrounds.
True. People on a jury should be diverse.
The Midnight Joyride: A teenager is arrested for stealing a car and leading police on a high-speed chase through the city.
Criminal Court (Theft and reckless endangerment are crimes against the state).
The Multi-State Mix-up: A driver from New York hits a pedestrian in New Jersey. The pedestrian sues for $100,000 in medical expenses.
Federal Court (The parties are from different states and the amount exceeds $75,000).
How many people are typically on a jury?
12
These people are responsible for representing and defending a party/client, presenting evidence, and arguing a case to the Judge and/or Jury.
Attorneys or Lawyers
True or False: Jurors are allowed to use their cell phones to look up facts about the case during deliberations.
False (They must rely only on the evidence presented in court).
The Slippery Floor: A shopper sues a mall for medical bills after slipping on a wet floor that didn't have a "Caution" sign.
Civil Court (A personal injury or negligence lawsuit).
The Corner Store Caper: A person is arrested for shoplifting a pack of gum and a soda from a local convenience store.
State Court (Robbery and theft are typically violations of state penal codes).
How old must you be to serve on a jury?
18 Years old
These people are responsible for making sure all parties and attendees maintain order and everyone is kept safe.
Bailiff or Security
True or False: You can be disqualified from a jury if you are related to the defendant or the lawyers.
True. This is considered a conflict of interest.
The Assault: A person is arrested after getting into a physical fight at a sporting event and causing injury to another fan.
Criminal Court (Assault and battery are violent crimes).
The Counterfeit King: A group is caught printing fake $20 and $100 bills in a basement and trying to spend them at multiple places around the US.
Federal Court (Counterfeiting currency is an offense against the U.S. Treasury). Also they are using this money in multiple states.
A in a criminal trial a jury must reach a verdict. What are the 2 choices?
Guilty or Not Guilty.
These people are responsible for keeping records of each trial and administering oaths.
Court Clerk
True or False: The "Foreperson" is the juror who acts as the spokesperson for the group.
True. They also ensure everyone gets a chance to speak during deliberations.
The Workplace Secret: A company sues a former employee for $50,000 for sharing a "secret recipe" with a rival company after signing a non-disclosure agreement.
Civil Court (Violation of a private contract).
The Post Office Purloiner: An individual is caught stealing mail from several residential mailboxes and from the post office on a local delivery route.
Federal Court (Tampering with mail is a federal crime as the USPS is a federal agency).
What is it called when a jury cannot reach a verdict after a long period of deliberation.
A Hung Jury (This usually results in a mistrial).
1. the person or people being accused in a trial.
2. the person or people initiating the lawsuit.
1. Defendant
2. Plaintiff
True or False: Jurors are paid a small daily fee for their service.
True. While the amount is usually low, most jurisdictions provide a small "stipend" or reimbursement for travel.