Jury Trial Analysis Paper

University of Phoenix

CJA/364 Criminal Procedure

MU11BCJ05

Jury Trial Analysis The modern jury has evolved since about 1700 into a complex process involving a number of distinct steps (Zalman, 2008). Since the evolution of jury trials, the main goal is to form a jury panel, provide them with all the facts of the case, and decide a verdict. Each step that makes up the jury trial is unique within itself. It is unique because there is a starting point, finishing point, and steps in between. Every step is crucial and there is no room for error. The writer is going to discuss all of these steps in detail, and will also provide in depth analysis of constitutional trial rights enacted during a trial. One of the most important steps in a jury trial is jury selection. “First, the court or a jury commission creates a master jury list of all eligible jurors, using methods that produce a statistically accurate cross-section of the community” (Zalman, 2008. p. 544). Upon omission on the master jury list, each individual in the jury pool goes through a set of questions that will decide who qualifies, also known as voir dire. “The process of voir dire allows the judge, attorneys, or both to question jurors to determine whether they are biased” (Zalman, 2008. p. 544). Once the jury is selected, the court process begins with an opening statement that outlines the main points of the case. The lawyers often try to make good first impressions on jurors by pointing out general facts of the case and discussing objectives for both sides. Once the cards are laid out on the table, the lawyers get their poker face on and start turning them over one by one. Both the Prosecutor and Defense counsel start to present witnesses. This step can be referred to as Case in Chief. Most of the time lawyers call in expert witnesses who can inform the jury