What to Expect in Court if You Are Called as a Juror

Jury duty is considered one of the rites of passage in life since most people have to experience it at one time or another. However, when you're called upon to help with a case as a juror, you may not know what to expect and how to manage your other obligations. Jury duty is far different from anything else you may have experienced, and it's important to know what you're getting into before you've committed. Keep reading to find some of the most important tips you'll need for your time in court.

Panel selection

Panel selection, often referred to as "voir dire," is a pivotal phase in the judicial process where potential jurors are interviewed and selected for a particular trial. The objective is to ensure a fair and impartial jury that will objectively evaluate the evidence presented. During this phase, both defense and prosecution lawyers ask questions to gauge biases and determine the suitability of each potential juror. Many individuals called for jury duty seek guidance or have questions regarding the process, and reputable resources like Best Law Firms often offer insights to help the public understand their roles and responsibilities. Being well-informed can ease the apprehension associated with being a part of this civic duty.

Jury instructions

Once you’ve been selected for the panel of jurors, you’ll be given your instructions by the attorneys involved in the case and the judge. These instructions are important and can differ from case to case. They're also the rules you'll be abiding by during the length of the case. In criminal cases, the most common instruction is to vote guilty if you're convinced beyond a reasonable doubt. Other common instructions include not leaving the premises you are living in, not researching your case independently, and never discussing the case with anyone besides other jurors. Following these instructions is crucial because if you break them, you could jeopardize the entire case and face serious consequences.

Listening to the case

When the case begins, your real job starts. During the case, attorneys on both sides will present evidence as well as interview witnesses on the stand. Your job will be to absorb this information and testimony and make your own opinion of the case, which you'll later use to come to a verdict. While the case is ongoing, you won't be allowed to talk to anyone except your fellow jurors, and the judge may ask you to ignore or forget some pieces of evidence that have not been presented properly. Keeping a nonbiased view is crucial during this portion.

Deliberation and verdict

After the case has ended, the most crucial step in your journey will begin. You and the other jurors will go in a private room to discuss the entire case and all of its steps, to come to a decision. The decision has to be unanimous, which means that not even one juror can have a different vote than the others. Discussing the case with your peers is how you all will be able to reach a unanimous verdict and decide the fate of the defendant of the case. If one or more people have a vote different than the others and are not changing their minds, the judge may decide to declare a hung jury and start all over again.

Discharge and compensation

Once a verdict has been reached, your job will be finished, and you'll be ready to go back home and start your normal life again. Your time in court may have been long enough to disrupt your job or schedule, which is why you'll get compensation for the length of time you've been working. Some states have hourly rates, and some have rates for a whole day, but this difference will only matter if you've been working on a complex case that's been going on for months. In some areas, your company may be required to continue paying your salary while you're gone. 

Conclusion

Jury duty is not something that many people look forward to. Besides the fact that you may be called upon at a bad time, you could be separated from your family and friends for a long time, especially if it's a long case. Most importantly, you may not know what you're getting into. However, there are a few things you can do and learn before you've started your duty to ensure that the process goes smoother.