Mr. Morrissey's English

Selection of Jury:

• Jurors selected for a courtroom from the pool of available jurors

• Voir Dire: Judge and attorneys questions Jurors

• Attorneys may challenge some jurors and ask them to be removed from the case

• 2 types of Challenges:

• Challenge for cause: Court removes a juror who does not appear capable of rendering a fair and impartial verdict

• Peremptory challenge: attorneys appeal to reject jurors without having to give a real reason (limited number)

 

Opening Statements

• Each side outlines proof to be presented to court. Does NOT include evidence, only expectations of what each side looks to prove

 

Presentation of Evidence and Testimony of Witnesses

• Prosecution presents first

• Each witness testifies: the side that calls the witness asks questions in direct examination

• Side that doesn’t call the witness has opportunity to cross-examine witness

• When each side presents evidence, they “rest” their case

 

Closing Arguments

• Attorneys summarize evidence and try to persuade the jury to find favor of their client

 

Presentation of Jury Instructions

• Judge tells Jurors their sworn duty: Must make a decision based on how the Laws are NOT how they wish them to be

 

Deliberation

• Jury retires to deliberation room to consider the case and reach a verdict

• When verdict is reached,  verdict is read by clerk and Judge dismisses Jurors