Jury Trial Form Without In Massachusetts
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FAQ
The law entitles all defendants in criminal cases to jury trials ing to the federal standard for "serious penalties." A jury trial isn't mandated if the offense carries a sentence of six months or less. The state can decide whether to provide a jury trial in that situation.
There are various reasons why a defendant might consider waiving their right to a jury trial. For instance, they might aim to resolve the case swiftly or keep it out of the local news. Alternatively, they might have a lengthy criminal record and wish to minimize public exposure.
The potential jurors can be rejected for a bunch of reasons. Such as knowing somebody in the case, being prejudiced, or having a criminal record. Or just because the lawyer doesn't like them for a random reason. Once 12 (sometimes more or less) pass this test, they become the jury and are sworn in.
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.
The benefit is that your case will generally move faster since no jury selection is necessary. However, there are many effects that may be beneficial or harmful depending upon what type of case it is (civil vs criminal), who the Judge is, and which side of the case you are on (plaintiff or defendant).
For cause are legal motions where the attorney believes that the juror is actually prejudicedMoreFor cause are legal motions where the attorney believes that the juror is actually prejudiced against the client. Or has expressed a bias that would prevent them from being fair.
The most common techniques of alternative dispute resolution include the Minitrial, Arbitration, the Summary Jury Trial, the Rent-a-Judge program, Voluntary Settlement Conferences and Private Organizations established to assist in dispute resolution.
Reasons for Being Excused from Jury Service Medical reasons. Public necessity. Undue hardship. Dependent care. Student Status. Military conflict. Other reason deemed sufficient by the court.
Don't lose your temper, try to bully, or refuse to listen to the opinions of other jurors. Don't mark or write on exhibits or otherwise change or injure them.
Upon a finding by the court that a juror will not appear to perform or complete juror service or in response to the court's order, the court may issue a warrant for the arrest of the juror or may take such other appropriate actions as are likely to compel the juror to appear before the court.
