.. Loading ..

The Life of A Jury Trial

By: Gregory Rollins September 28, 2020 12,272 responses
By: Gregory Rollins
September 28, 2020
Share This Article

The Life of A Jury Trial

Here are 10 steps in the life of a jury trial from the moment the case is sent to a trial courtroom.

  1. Pretrial Motions: At the start of a trial, the opposing lawyers and the judge will often get together to address any potential legal issues in the case. These pretrial motions are ruled upon outside of the presence of the jury. These pretrial rulings often times dictate what evidence will or will not be admissible during the trial.
  2. Jury Selection/Voir Dire: Citizens from the community are called into court to serve as potential jurors on the case. During jury selection, the judge and the lawyers will “voir dire” prospective jurors by asking them questions to determine whether they will be a good fit for the case. Both attorneys can excuse up to a certain amount of jurors that they believe will not be a good fit for the case. Once both sides agree on the same prospective jurors, the jury is sworn in.
  3. Opening Statements: Once the jury has been selected and sworn in, both side are given an opportunity to make an opening statement. The prosecution goes first, followed by the defense. The purpose of the opening statement is to give the jury an overview of what each side believes  the evidence will show once it is introduced.
  4. Prosecution’s Case: After opening statements, the prosecution presents evidence to the jury.  The prosecution has the burden of proving each and every charge beyond a reasonable doubt, so the burden is on the prosecution to present sufficient evidence for the jury to be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the charged crimes.
  5. Defense’s Case: After the prosecution presents their evidence, the defense has an opportunity to present any evidence it would like the jury to consider. The defense is never required to present any evidence since the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove the case.
  6. Prosecution Rebuttal: After the defense presents evidence, the prosecution has an opportunity to present any additional evidence to rebut evidence presented by the defense during the defense’s case.
  7. Defense rebuttal: After the prosecution presents any rebuttal evidence, the defense has an opportunity to present any additional evidence to rebut evidence presented by the prosecution during the prosecution’s rebuttal case.
  8. Jury Instructions: Once all the evidence has been presented, the case becomes closed to evidence. The lawyers will discuss and agree upon what instructions should be read to the jury.  The jury instructions are then read to the jury by the judge. The jury instructions are used to instruct the jury on the principles of law that govern the case and their decision making process.
  9. Closing Arguments: During closing arguments, the lawyers have a final opportunity to address the jury. Both lawyers make a persuasive argument to the jury about what they think the evidence shows, and why the jury should reach a particular verdict. The prosecution makes the first argument.  The defense then makes their argument.  Finally, the prosecution has a final opportunity to give a rebuttal argument to address the defense’s closing argument since the prosecution has the burden of proof.
  10. Verdict/Sentencing: After closing arguments are concluded, the jury is excused to deliberate the case in private. In order for the jury to reach a verdict, all the jurors must agree upon the same verdict. When the jurors are not able to come to a unanimous decision, the jury is called a “hung jury,” and the case may have to be retried another time. If the jury unanimously votes “not guilty,” the defendant is released and the case is over. If the jury unanimously votes “guilty,” the defendant will be sentenced to a punishment by the judge based on the charges he was convicted of.

Related Articles

Criminal defense attorney and former Riverside County prosecutor Gregory Rollins uses his unique experience and expertise to defend the rights of the accused, provide meaningful legal advice to his clients, and to fight for the best possible outcome for every client in every case.  If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, it is important to make sure that your rights (or those of your loved-one) are protected.

Contact criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Gregory Rollins to set up a free consultation.

Latest Posts

Riverside County Misdemeanor Case Process Part 2: Arraignment Thru Sentencing
October 3, 2020
By: Gregory Rollins
Riverside County Misdemeanor Case Process Part 1: Incident Thru Arraignment
October 2, 2020
By: Gregory Rollins
Riverside County Misdemeanor Case Process General Overview
October 1, 2020
By: Gregory Rollins
10 Things To Know About Expungements in California
September 25, 2020
By: Gregory Rollins

12,272 Comments Hide Comments

After all, we should remember compellingly reintermediate mission-critical potentialities whereas cross functional scenarios. Phosfluorescently re-engineer distributed processes without standardized supply chains. Quickly initiate efficient initiatives without wireless web services. Interactively underwhelm turnkey initiatives before high-payoff relationships. Holisticly restore superior interfaces before flexible technology. Gayel Fee Ona

Reply

I have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

Reply

Thanks a lot for providing individuals with such a nice opportunity to check tips from this blog. It’s always so pleasurable and as well , full of a great time for me and my office mates to visit your blog at the least thrice in one week to see the latest secrets you have got. Not to mention, I’m usually amazed considering the splendid creative concepts you give. Some 2 facts in this posting are basically the simplest we have ever had.

Reply

Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

Reply

Thank you, I’ve just been searching for information approximately this topic for ages and yours is the best I have came upon till now. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the source?

Reply

The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won’t disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you would have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something you could fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

Reply

The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it won’t fail me as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, nonetheless I really thought you would probably have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

Reply

This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

Reply

This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

Reply

This design is steller! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

Reply

This is the perfect web site for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that has been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This design is steller! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic that has been discussed for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just excellent.

Reply

This is the right webpage for anyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the perfect web site for anyone who would like to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject which has been discussed for years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great!

Reply

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

Reply

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect website for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the right webpage for anyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This web site is really a walk-through for all of the details you desired about this as well as didn?t understand that to ask. Look below, and also you?ll definitely discover it.

Reply

This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect website for anybody who wishes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that’s been discussed for ages. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

Reply

This recommendation came after a long-term pediatric clinical trial that showed that children taking a high dose of Revatio had a higher risk of death than children taking low doses, and that the lower doses of Revatio were not effective in improving exercise ability in children.

Reply

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect web site for anyone who would like to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject which has been discussed for years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the right webpage for anyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the right site for anyone who wishes to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for ages. Excellent stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

Reply

This is the right site for anybody who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for years. Great stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is the right site for anyone who wishes to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for ages. Excellent stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the right site for everyone who would like to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject that has been written about for a long time. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for a long time. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the right site for anyone who wishes to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for ages. Excellent stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect web site for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that has been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the perfect web site for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that has been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the right site for anybody who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for years. Great stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is the right blog for anybody who wants to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject which has been discussed for many years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is the right site for anybody who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for years. Great stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect website for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the perfect blog for anyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that’s been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for a long time. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great!

Reply

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for a long time. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great!

Reply

This is the perfect website for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

Reply

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great!

Reply

This is the perfect webpage for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for a long time. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is the perfect web site for anyone who would like to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject which has been discussed for years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

Reply

This is the right webpage for anyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!

Reply