1. Judges and Juries
The Courtroom Players

2. Courtroom Players Judge Clerk Court Reporter Bailiff Jury Attorneys
Witnesses
The Public

3. Judges’ Jobs Judges- impartial/ neutral decision makers
Negotiator- pretrial motions, sets bail, hears pleas..
Administrator/ Referee
Presides over the trial and decides issues of law
Ensures the rules are followed
Motions, objections, jury instructions, etc.
Protects the rights of those involved
Makes a judgment in non-jury trials (bench trials)
Sentences guilty parties

4. Jury Functions
Juries
Purpose- to prevent oppression by the government/ the rule of law
To protect against corrupt officers and prosecutors
To protect against biased or eccentric judges
Represent the community

5. Jurors’ Jobs Juries Examine evidence Determine guilt or innocence
Hear disputes about facts
Listen to testimony
Consider evidence/ evaluate facts
Determine guilt or innocence
Recommend sentences

6. Jurors Reqs- 18+, citizen, resident Summons: Duration Compensation
Excuses
Sequester:

7. Jury Selection
voir dire- for a fair trial, opposing lawyers can question the juror to determine bias or prejudice
Looking for BAKE
removal for cause- answers indicate potential juror not able to make fair decisions
unlimited
peremptory challenges- unsympathetic to their argument, removal without a reason
limited (6)
CAN’T be for race or gender