Todd Kendhammer Trial Jury Instructions

TL;DR

The jury is given instructions on their responsibilities and deliberations in a criminal case, including reaching a unanimous verdict.

Transcript

okay members of the jury the duties of counsel on the court have been performed the case has been argued by counsel the court has instructed you regarding the rules of law which should govern you in your deliberations the time has now come when the great burden of reaching a just fair and conscientious decision of this case is to be thrown wholly u... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Jury members must approach their duty with impartiality, avoiding sympathy or prejudice.
• 💁 The verdict forms provided to the jury are guilty or not guilty for first-degree intentional homicide.
• 📞 Unanimous agreement among the twelve jurors is necessary to reach a legally received verdict.
• 🖐️ The presiding juror plays a crucial role in communication with the court during deliberations.
• ✍️ In case of questions from the jury, the court will respond in writing or orally.
• 👻 The court will exercise caution in allowing exhibits to be sent back to the jury room, to avoid any potential bias.
• ⌛ The time expected for the jury to return with a question or verdict is 20 minutes.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the instructions given to the jury before deliberations?

The jury is instructed to carefully weigh the evidence, avoid bias or sympathy, and reach a just and true verdict of guilty or not guilty.

Q: How consensus is reached in a criminal case?

Consensus in a criminal case requires all twelve jurors to agree on a verdict. This unanimity is crucial to a legally received verdict.

Q: How does the court handle questions from the jury during deliberations?

Written notes sent through the bailiff, signed by the presiding juror, are used to communicate with the court. The court will answer questions either in writing or orally.

Q: How is a verdict reached and presented?

The jurors deliberate and select a presiding juror to sign and date the verdict. Once reached, the jurors return to the courtroom, where the verdict is read into the record and confirmed by each juror.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The court instructs the jury on their duty to carefully weigh the evidence and reach a just verdict, free from bias or sympathy.

• The jurors are presented with two possible verdict forms: guilty or not guilty.

• The presiding juror is responsible for communication with the court, and the court will answer any questions in writing or orally.