Jason Carter Trial Final Instructions and Jury Charge | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Guidelines and instructions for jurors during trial deliberations, including note-taking, impartial consideration of evidence, and the unanimous agreement requirement.

Key Insights

• 🎵 Jurors can take notes during the trial but should not consider them as evidence.
• 🥰 The foreperson plays a crucial role in facilitating orderly deliberations and ensuring everyone's views are heard.
• 🤗 Impartial consideration of the evidence is essential, and jurors should be open to changing their opinions based on the facts presented.
• 💦 The verdict must be unanimous, and jurors should work together to reach an agreement.
• 🤵 Deliberations should only take place in the jury room, and no communication should occur with anyone outside the jury.
• 👨‍⚖️ Jurors should consult with one another and strive to achieve justice.
• 💁 The instructions and verdict form will be provided to the jurors during deliberations.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Can jurors use their notes as evidence during deliberations?

No, jurors should only use their notes as memory aids and not as evidence. Notes may contain personal impressions but should not override jurors' independent recollection of the evidence.

Q: What is the role of the foreperson during deliberations?

The foreperson is responsible for maintaining an orderly discussion, ensuring all issues are fully explored, and giving every juror an opportunity to express their views. They should also sign the final verdict form.

Q: Can jurors change their opinion during deliberations?

Yes, jurors are encouraged to re-examine their views and change their opinions if they are convinced they were wrong. However, they should not change their opinion regarding the weight or effect of the evidence based on others' opinions.

Q: What should jurors do with their notes at the end of deliberations?

Jurors should leave their notes with the court attendant, and the notes will be destroyed. They should rely on their memory and the evidence presented during the trial.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jurors are allowed to take notes during the trial but should only use them as aids for their memory and not as evidence. Notes should be destroyed at the conclusion of deliberations.

• The foreperson should ensure orderly deliberations, full discussion of the issues, and equal opportunity for every juror to express their views. The verdict must be reached unanimously.

• Jurors should deliberate impartially, consider the evidence with an open mind, and be willing to change their opinion if convinced it is wrong. Their sole duty is to ensure justice.