Table of Contents
Can jurors be influenced?
Jury tampering is a crime that occurs when people improperly influence jurors. Jurors can also be improperly influenced—sometimes by their own doing—without anyone committing a crime. However it occurs, improper influence on jurors can effectively undo a criminal case and result in a new trial for the defendant.
Can a juror tell other jurors about jury nullification?
For the most part, the answer is no. You should NOT discuss jury nullification with your fellow jurors. It is well-established that it is perfectly legal for a juror to vote not guilty for any reason they believe is just.
What power do jurors have?
That is the power of the jury at work; the power to decide the issues of law under which the defendant is charged, as well as the facts. In our system of checks and balances, the jury is our final check, the people’s last safegard against unjust law and tyranny.
What factors influence a jury?
The data indicate that jurors were influenced by the evidence, witnesses, lawyers, and defendant in the trials. In two trials, jurors made their decisions early; one trial produced later decisions. The jurors’ reports also demonstrate that jurors considered evidence and discussed the key issues during deliberation.
What other factors influence juror judgments?
Variables considered include demographic information on jurors, personal characteristics of trial participants, influence of trial publicity on jurors, juror satisfaction with the verdict, and dynamics of the deliberation process.
Why are there 12 jurors in a jury?
The 12-person jury is a tradition tracing back to at least 1066, when William the Conqueror brought the practice of trial-by-jury in civil and criminal cases to England. Initially, jurors were more like witnesses in that they were picked because they knew something about the facts at issue.
Can the jury talk to each other?
Of course they can talk to each other. They’re not really supposed to talk about the case until it’s time for deliberations, but it’s basically a closed chamber, so what goes on in the jury room is pretty much between them. Jurors spend time together during lunch and recesses, so there’s plenty of time for socializing.
Can jury be bribed?
Jury tampering is the crime of unduly attempting to influence the composition and/or decisions of a jury during the course of a trial. Once selected, jurors could be bribed or intimidated to act in a certain manner on duty.