Bias or Prejudice: Potential jurors may feel that they cannot be impartial due to their personal experiences or biases related to the case. Previous Experience: Individuals who have had negative experiences with the legal system, either personally or through family and friends, may be reluctant to participate.
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).
In the demand a party may specify the issues which the party wishes so tried; otherwise the party shall be deemed to have demanded trial by jury for all the issues so triable.
Missing court does not end the potential juror's service. The court will send you a second jury duty request if you missed your first appearance. If you miss a jury date, serious consequences can take effect. You could be held in contempt of court and required to attend jury duty on a different date.
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.
Demand: A party may demand a jury trial on any issue triable of right by a jury by serving the other parties with a written demand, which must be filed no later than 14 days after the last pleading directed to the issue. This demand must be specific about the issues that the party wants tried by a jury.
(d) Waiver; Withdrawal. A party waives a jury trial unless its demand is properly served and filed. A proper demand may be withdrawn only if the parties consent.
Predictable Outcomes: Judges' decisions are generally more predictable than those of a jury, in which emotions or personal biases can sway. If, for example, you're assigned a judge with a record of showing leniency for mitigating circumstances, your attorney might recommend waiving the jury trial.
In the demand a party may specify the issues which the party wishes so tried; otherwise the party shall be deemed to have demanded trial by jury for all the issues so triable.