NCJ Number
73091
Date Published
Unknown
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet is designed to acquaint jurors serving the county courts of Oneida County, N.Y., with court procedures, juror conduct, civil and criminal trials, and decisionmaking is presented.
Abstract
Jurors are officers of the court and are expected to dress and act accordingly. Upon serving for 6 days or more on any one panel, a person will be exempt from further jury duty for at least 2 years. Trial by jury is a fundamental right of citizenship; the institution of trial by jury is one of the oldest of the common law. Each juror is selected by a computer at random from files of the commissioner of jurors. The jury panel has been summoned to serve in a specially designated term of court and will probably sit for 2 weeks. Jurors may serve on the various courts throughout the county and will hear both civil and criminal cases. Civil cases submitted to juries usually involve issues relating to monetary damages. There may be more than one defendant in a civil case. Civil juries consist of six jurors. A verdict is reached when five of the six are in agreement. Criminal cases are always brought in the name of 'The People of the State of New York' as plaintiff. Criminal violations of the laws of the State are charged against one or more defendants. Jurors for both types of cases are expected to be prompt in appearing for court sessions, not to discuss the case outside of the deliberation room, and to avoid media presentation of a case in progress. Each juror should pay close attention to all testifying witnesses to comprehend testimony accurately and to observe witness demeanor. In criminal cases there may be either 6 of 12 jury members, and unanimous agreement on the verdict is required. In the deliberation room jurors will consider the testimonies, views of others, exhibits, and the issues and law of the case as stipulated by the judge. A map is provided.