NCJ Number
73421
Date Published
1974
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Using an example of a criminal trial, this film explains what is required of citizens who are picked to sit on a jury.
Abstract
Criteria are used to select jurors for a trial: they must not be personally involved in any aspect of the case through knowledge of the parties or media accounts, and they must feel that they can judge the merits of the case in an impartial manner. Jurors do not have to be knowledgeable about the law because the judge instructs the jury concerning the law. The role of the jurors is to listen to the evidence and decide what occurred. During a trial, jurors are cautioned not to discuss the case with anyone until it is finished. The film explains what constitutes evidence and what is hearsay. A trial of a man charged with robbery and assault is used to illustrate various concepts. It is emphasized that in a criminal case, the defendant must be acquitted if a reasonable doubt exists that the defendant committed the crime. Important differences between criminal and civil cases are also clarified.