Wednesday, November 6th

Introduction to Jury Duty.

1. Anticipation Guide.

POWER: the chance that an individual in a social relationship can achieve his or her own will even against the resistance of others.  (Max Weber) 

2. Break into Jury Groups: Jury Groups Serial

The jury fulfills a very important function in the legal system. The jurors are charged with the responsibility of deciding whether, on the facts of the case, a person is guilty or not guilty of the offence for which he or she has been charged.

The jury must reach its verdict by considering only the evidence introduced in court and the directions of the judge. The jury does not interpret the law. It follows the directions of the judge as regards legal matters.

During all stages of the trial, jurors may take notes of proceedings.

In reaching its verdict in a criminal trial, the jury must be satisfied that the person is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Beyond reasonable doubt means that if there are two reasons given in the case and both are possible explanations for what happened, taken together with the evidence presented, the jury should give the person the benefit of the doubt and decide on a verdict of not guilty.

Jurors must:

• Decide the facts of the case only.
• Take directions relating to law from the trial judge, whether or not they agree with him/her.
• Remain impartial and independent.
• Remain uninfluenced by any person. It is an offence for any person who is not a member of the jury to attempt to influence a juror in any way. If any person speaks to a juror about the case, the juror should inform the court or a member of the Gardaí.
• Keep statements made in the jury room confidential. Jurors should not discuss the case with any person other than members of the jury. It is contempt of court punishable by fine and/or imprisonment to repeat any statements made in the jury room.

3. Start Serial Podcast.  Start on Episode 1: The Alibi. Start working on questions 1-12.  You will also want to keep JURY NOTES to help aid your memory through this process.

* Keep in mind that this is an actual case. Some of the language and topics are mature in nature. This comes from actual testimony of actual people.
Serial Episode #1: The Alibi

FOR THURSDAY. Try to have questions 1-12 completed.
BRING HEADPHONES to class with you the remainder of this unit.