The Importance of Jury Service

Jury trials have been an important part of the American legal system for more than two centuries. They are an integral part of the laws which protect the fundamental rights of all citizens. Jury duty is an important and rewarding service which you are summoned to provide by the court for your township. Through your service, the people of Redford Township participate directly in the administration of justice.

Participants in a Trial

A jury trial involves many people. Those individuals who are direct participants in courtroom proceedings include the following:

Judge- will preside over the trial, instruct the jury, make rulings on points of law, and have general charge over the proceedings of the trial and its participants;

Parties- in a civil trial are the plaintiff and defendant; in a criminal trial they are the prosecutor (representing the people of the state of local political subdivision), and the defendant (the person charged with the crime);

Attorneys- participate in trials as advocates for the parties in controversy by presenting their client's case;

Witnesses- present testimony under oath concerning what they have seen or know about the facts of the case;

Prosecuting Attorney- is the official representing the state or a local city, township or village in a criminal case or certain civil cases;

Court Recorder- records and logs all trial proceedings and will be responsible for preparing a typewritten transcript of the trial if requested by either party;

Court Officer- or bailiff opens court and is responsible for maintaining order and security in the courtroom and protecting the jury from outside interference when they are deliberating.

How the Jury Chosen

Your name has been drawn at random from a list of licensed drivers in Wayne County. From this list of individuals, jurors will be selected to comprise the jury panel. Such persons, however, must be U.S. citizens and be able to read, hear and speak the English language.

When you arrive at the courthouse, a jury clerk will meet you in the jury assembly room or other designated room. Before the selection of a jury begins, you will be asked to swear and affirm that you will truthfully answer the questions concerning your fairness and ability to sit as a juror on a particular case.

As a prospective juror you will be questioned by the judge or trial attorneys. This process, referred to as Voir Dire, is conducted to determine whether you have opinions or attitudes which would bias you in favor or disfavor of either side. While some questions may be personal in nature, they are not intended to embarrass you. They are asked to determine if there is a reason you should not sit on the case.

Jurors may be excused for cause for reasons such as a personal or financial relationship with a party which would impair their ability to be fair. In addition, each side may excuse a limited number of jurors by peremptory challenge without any reason. Jurors who are excused for one case may be eligible to sit on another.

Once selected as a juror, you will need to listen to the judge, witnesses and attorneys, consider the evidence presented, and make an intelligent and just decision based on the evidence presented to you following the instructions provided by the court.

Conduct of a Trial

The trial will begin with opening statements by the attorneys for both sides. The attorneys will explain their client's position and what they expect to prove. These statements are not considered evidence but are an introduction to claims which must be proven by the presentation of evidence.

The examination of witnesses and presentation of evidence will begin after opening statements. The witnesses will first be examined by the attorney who called them, then cross examined by the other attorney. This process can proceed further by redirect and re cross examinations.

Attorneys may make objections during the trial in an effort to limit the testimony being presented. Objections are a legal and proper part of the trial process. If the judge sustains the objection the evidence or testimony is not proper, and if she overrules the objection, the line of questioning may continue.

Occasionally during a trial the jurors are excused so that arguments may be presented to the court concerning an objection or other legal issues. This is done outside the presence of jurors to avoid possible prejudice. These activities, and the judge's ruling on objections, should not cause you to give either side more favorable consideration.

In final arguments both attorneys will have an opportunity to summarize their positions and review the facts of the case. At the conclusion of the final arguments, the judge will issue instructions to the jury concerning the law and its application to the particular case.

The jurors will then proceed to the jury room to begin deliberation. The jurors must select a foreperson who presides over these deliberations. You will discuss the evidence and attempt to arrive at a fair and an impartial verdict based on the facts presented during the trial and the law as given by the judge's instructions. When deliberations are complete, you will return to the courtroom for the presentation of your verdict.

Jurors' Responsibilities

Jurors must be prompt in arriving at the court. A trial cannot begin unless all jurors are present.

Jurors must give their undivided attention to the witnesses, attorneys, and proceedings. Remember that the outcome of the case is very important to those concerned.

Jurors must not let radio, T.V., newspaper articles, or other publicity concerning a case affect their decision. A verdict must be based on the evidence presented at trial.

Jurors must not discuss the case with friends, relatives, or trial participants during trial or deliberation. If you are approached about the case, report the incident to the court officer immediately.

Jurors must not become involved in independent investigations about the case. When it becomes necessary to inspect a scene, the jury will do so as a group under the court's supervision only.

Jurors must be impartial and avoid comments or expressions during the trial which convey feelings about the case.

Final Note

The jury is a critical element in our system of justice. You should be proud of your service as a juror. Your presence in the panel is necessary, regardless of whether you are selected to serve on a case. The court and the litigants appreciate your service.