If someone is accused of a crime, they have a right to be tried in front of a jury. A jury is made up of 12 people who are chosen at random to hear the evidence and decide if the accused is guilty or not guilty.
Jury trials provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in the judicial process. Jury trials give citizens on the jury the power to make a decision on the case. People who serve on juries routinely have a greater respect for the system when they leave.
Defendants generally trust that a jury will acquit or render a not guilty verdict more often (than a judge). The O.J. trial certainly validated this belief. Both the defendant and the People have the right to a jury trial in misdemeanor and felony trials (California Constitution, Article I, § 16 and Penal Code § 699).
Any party may demand a trial by jury of any issue triable of right by a jury by (1) serving upon the other parties a demand therefor in writing at any time after the commencement of the action and not later than 10 days after the service of the last pleading directed to such issue, and (2) filing the demand as required ...
Trial by jury helps the criminal justice system reflect the values and standards of the general public. It's vital for the health of the criminal justice system that citizens participate in it and it is vital for democracy that they do, which might explain why politicians are always seeking to limit that participation.
This process is called "juror deliberations." Its purpose is to allow the jurors to make a decision about the questions presented in the case and then render a verdict on the case.
By law, the courts will excuse from jury duty anyone with a mental or physical condition that would keep them from serving as a juror. There is not an exemption based on age, but you may request to be excused if you have a hardship that would make it difficult to serve.
(a) A claimant or counterclaimant must file the jury demand at the time of filing the claim or counterclaim. (b) A person opposing a claim or counterclaim must file the jury demand not later than the filing of his answer or other pleading.
Show the jury how you're saving them time by being organized and using summaries, charts, and demonstratives. They will appreciate you—it motivates them to want to return the favor. This doesn't mean you win, but it does mean the jury will listen to you and work to understand your side of the case.
At a defendant's arraignment, if they enter a "not guilty" plea, there will be several pretrial trial proceedings designed to resolve the case. If a plea bargain is not reached, then the case will proceed to trial.