Resources
Jury Service Basics
What Happens During a Trial?
A trial is the process by which evidence is presented before a judge or jury to determine whether a legal claim or criminal charge has been proven. Jurors listen to testimony, review evidence, receive legal instructions from the judge, and ultimately reach a verdict.
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U.S. Courts – Jury Service: https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service
Federal Judicial Center: https://www.fjc.gov
The Jury Deliberation Process
After all evidence has been presented, jurors meet privately to discuss the case, review the evidence, and work toward reaching a verdict. Deliberations are confidential and are intended to encourage open and honest discussion among jurors.
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Burden of Proof Explained
The burden of proof determines which party must prove its case in court. In criminal trials, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil cases generally require proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
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Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt before a defendant can be convicted. This high standard helps protect against wrongful convictions.
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Types of Verdicts
A jury may return a verdict of guilty, not guilty, or, in some circumstances, be unable to reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a hung jury. Civil cases have different verdict standards depending on the jurisdiction.
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Criminal vs. Civil Juries
Criminal juries decide whether a defendant committed a crime, while civil juries resolve disputes between individuals or organizations. The burden of proof, available remedies, and jury requirements differ between the two.
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What is Jury Nullification?
Jury nullification occurs when jurors return a verdict of not guilty even though they believe the prosecution proved its case because they conclude that applying the law would produce an unjust result. It has been discussed throughout English and American legal history and remains a subject of legal debate.
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DISCLAIMER:
This project does not seek to encourage unethical jury practices but aims to raise awareness about the concept and principles of jury nullification and the role it plays in the justice system. We do not seek to promote jury tampering, nor do we aim to influence any manipulation of the judicial process, including but not limited to the jury. We believe in promoting transparency and fairness in the judicial system, to maintain system integrity and public faith, and support actions that ensure justice is served.
This is an independent campaign, operated by a non-profit organization. It operates on a not-for-profit basis, ensuring all funds raised are directly invested in educational initiatives. Its goal is simply to educate New Yorkers about jurors' rights and their role in ensuring a fair justice system. Citzens for Jury Empowerment (CFJE) does not endorse illegal activities and is not affiliated with any external entities.
Statement of Intent and Compliance (Purpose and Legal Position)
Our message states our aim is to inform about jurors' rights and the significance of jury nullification within the legal system, without attempting to affect trial outcomes. Legal experts have reviewed our campaign to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. This reaffirms our dedication to fostering informed public discourse, grounding our approach in openness and integrity. We believe that individuals whose conduct is considered reprehensible should be held to account, while also upholding the legal principle that all are innocent until proven guilty. Should there be any misinterpretation of our campaign's intent, we clarify that such perceptions do not reflect our stated objectives, and any misunderstanding is due to individual interpretation, not our clearly stated purpose or beliefs. The responsibility for interpretations of the campaign lies within the hands of each individual; we are not liable for any misperceptions or misunderstandings, given our explicitly stated objective. Any deviation from this understanding is left to the interpreter's discretion.
We do not engage in commentary or take positions on legal matters. Our advertisements serve merely as a conversation starter to ignite a broader discussion on an important legal principle. Our mission is strictly educational; we are not here to advocate for any individual, specific cause, or any prospective case for that matter, but to foster a deeper understanding among the public. We maintain no personal opinions or stances on this matter, and should any such views be formed in the future, they would not affect our campaign. Furthermore, our personal perspectives are immaterial, as this matter falls exclusively within the jurisdiction of the court. Citizens for Jury Empowerment (CFJE) remains impartial in its operations and steadfast in its commitment to respect all legal proceedings, advocating for principles of good faith and justice.