Criminal Trial Process

[Audio] Criminal Trial Process Presenter: Cha’Ron Day Ivy Tech Community College Introduction to Criminal Justice 101 PAGE 1.

[Audio] Course Outline Introduction overview of a criminal trial Jury Selection The Presumption of Innocence Opening Statements Presentation of Evidence Privilege Against Self-Incrimination Closing Arguments Judge's Charge to the Jury Appropriate Standard of Proof Jury Deliberations Verdict Conclusion References PAGE 2.

[Audio] Introduction to The American Criminal Justice System Welcome to our presentation on American criminal jury trials. Our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the trial process, from the selection of the jury to the final verdict. Throughout this exploration, I will unravel the essential stages of a criminal trial and highlight fundamental principles such as the presumption of innocence, the privilege against self-incrimination, and the appropriate standard of proof. I want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the intricate world of American criminal justice. So, fasten your seatbelts and let's begin our journey together. PAGE 3.

[Audio] What is a Criminal Trial Criminal trials are incredibly important in the criminal justice system. They ensure due process, protect individual rights, and ultimately deliver justice. These trials are a cornerstone of a fair and equitable society, allowing for the impartial assessment of evidence and the determination of guilt or innocence. It is a legal proceeding in which the government, represented by the prosecution, accuses an individual of committing a crime. A court then determines whether the accused is guilty or not guilty of the alleged offense. PAGE 4 Criminal Trial Jury Selection The Presumption of Innocence Opening Statement We will be discussing the overview of a criminal trial. Firstly, let's define what a criminal trial is. Simply put, it is a legal proceeding in which the government, represented by the prosecution, accuses an individual of committing a crime. A court then determines whether the accused is guilty or not guilty of the alleged offense. Up next we will discuss Jury Selection.

[Audio] Jury Selection “Voir dire”or better known as Jury Selection, refers to the process through which potential jurors are chosen to serve on a jury for a specific trial. During this process, the prosecution, defense, and judge question potential jurors to ensure that they can render an unbiased and impartial verdict based solely on the evidence presented in court. A fair and impartial jury plays a crucial role in ensuring justice is served. It guarantees that the accused receives a just and unbiased assessment of their case, and the integrity of the legal system is upheld. Without an impartial jury, the defendant's right to a fair trial is compromised. Jury Selection PAGE 5 opening statements The Presumption of Innocence Criminal Trial On the next slide we will talk about the Presumption of Innocence..

[Audio] The Presumption of Innocence The presumption of innocence is a crucial legal principle that asserts that anyone accused of a crime is assumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove the accused's guilt, and this principle applies to anyone who is charged with a crime. This presumption means that when a person faces criminal charges, they are considered innocent until the prosecution proves their guilt. The accused is not required to prove their innocence, and the prosecution must demonstrate their guilt through evidence and argument. The Presumption of Innocence PAGE 6 Criminal Trial Jury Selection Opening Statement The presumption of innocence is an essential safeguard that ensures the fairness and integrity of the trial process. It protects the accused from wrongful convictions and ensures that the legal system upholds the rights of individuals facing criminal charges. This principle emphasizes the prosecution's responsibility to meet a high standard of proof before a verdict of guilt can be established. On the next slide we will discuss Opening statements..

[Audio] Opening Statement Prosecution vs. Defense The primary purpose of opening statements is to give the jury a roadmap of what they can expect to hear during the trial. Attorneys use opening statements to introduce key issues, witnesses, and evidence to the jury, which helps them understand the context and importance of the upcoming testimony and evidence. The prosecution's opening statement sets the stage by outlining the charges against the defendant, explaining the evidence they plan to present, and emphasizing the defendant's alleged guilt. On the other hand, the defense's opening statement typically counters the prosecution's claims, highlights potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and may present an initial defense theory or strategy. PAGE 7 Opening Statement Criminal Trial The presumption of Innocence During a trial, the prosecution and defense each make an initial statement called an opening statement. These statements provide an overview of each side's case and a preview of the evidence they intend to present. Check out this next slide of an example of a strong opening statement in the courtroom from Denzel Washington in the 1993 movie, Philadelphia..

[Audio] Denzel Washington in 1993 movie, Philadelphia. PAGE 8 First Skill Second Skill.

[Audio] Presentation of Evidence Testimonial evidence involves statements made by witnesses who provide information or share their observations related to the case. Physical evidence includes tangible objects or substances that are relevant to the case, such as weapons, clothing, fingerprints, or DNA samples Presentation of Evidence PAGE 9 Closing Statements Privilege Against Self-Incrimination Opening Statement In this slide we will be discussing the process of presenting evidence in court. This is a crucial and structured phase of a trial where the prosecution and defense introduce information and materials to support their respective cases. The process includes calling witnesses to testify, introducing physical evidence, and presenting documentary evidence. There are three types of evidence that can be presented in court..

[Audio] Document evidence Consists of written or recorded materials that can help establish facts or support legal arguments, such as contracts, emails, photographs, or official reports. PAGE 10 It is crucial to present evidence fairly in court to ensure that the jury receives accurate and relevant information. Rules of evidence govern what can be presented in court to prevent the introduction of prejudicial or irrelevant information, and to safeguard the defendant's right to a fair trial. A fair presentation of evidence is crucial for the jury to make an informed and impartial decision based on the facts of the case. Up next for discussion is the privilege against self-incrimination.

[Audio] The Privilege against Self-Incrimination The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly protects this right by stating that no person "shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself." This means that the government cannot force individuals to provide testimony or evidence that would incriminate themselves in a crime. The privilege against self-incrimination has a significant impact on the trial process. It ensures that the accused cannot be compelled to testify against themselves, and their decision to remain silent cannot be used against them. This principle is also applicable during cross-examination of witnesses, including the accused, where they may assert this privilege in response to any questions that might incriminate them. PAGE 11 The privilege against self-incrimination, which is a legal right that allows individuals to refuse to provide evidence or testify in a criminal proceeding that could implicate themselves. This principle safeguards the accused's right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination. Watch this video to better understand the Privilege against self incrimination..

[Audio] Closing Statements Closing arguments serve as a critical moment in a trial and allow attorneys to tie together the evidence and testimony presented during the trial. They enable the attorneys to craft a compelling narrative, emphasizing key points, evidence, and legal arguments, with the goal of persuading the jury to reach a verdict in their favor. Close statements aim is to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors, ultimately leading to a verdict of not guilty if they are not convinced of the defendant's guilt. Closing Statements PAGE 12 The Privilege against Self-Incrimination judge's charge to the jury Presentation of evidence Just like at the beginning of a trial there is an opening statement, And towards the end There is another opportunity for the closing arguments, which are the final statements made by both the prosecution and defense attorneys. Its purpose is to summarize their respective cases and present their arguments to the jury one last time. On the other hand, the defense's closing argument counters the prosecution's case by highlighting weaknesses in the evidence, presenting alternative interpretations, and advocating for the defendant's innocence. Int his video you will hear an example of a closing statement in the Ahmad Arbery case..

[Audio] le gal dic ary. net Judge’s Charge to The Jury During the charge, the judge provides the jury with clear and concise explanations of the relevant legal principles, the elements of the charges, and the burden of proof required (which is proof beyond a reasonable doubt). The instructions help the jury understand the legal framework within which they must evaluate the evidence and make their decision. The judge may also provide instructions on other matters such as the credibility of witnesses, the admissibility of evidence, and any specific legal issues that are relevant to the case. PAGE 13 The Judge’s Charge to the Jury Presentation of Evidence Closing Statement The privilege against self-incrimination This slide is about the judge's charge to the jury, which is the final guidance given to the jury before they commence their deliberations. This charge is also known as jury instructions, and it consists of a set of legal guidelines that explain the laws and legal standards that the jury must use when deciding on a verdict. The judge's charge also helps prevent potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the law by the jurors, which could lead to erroneous verdicts. Next up we will discuss the appropriate standard of proof in criminal trials. The standard of proof in criminal trials is known as "proof beyond a reasonable doubt." This means that the prosecution must provide evidence and arguments that prove the defendant's guilt to a degree that leaves no reasonable doubt in the jurors' minds..

[Audio] The standard of proof The standard of proof in civil trials is different from criminal trials. The standard of proof in civil trials is usually "preponderance of the evidence." In civil cases, the party bringing the lawsuit only needs to prove that their claim is more likely true than not. On the other hand, in criminal cases, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt to a near absolute certainty. The standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt is crucial in ensuring a fair trial. It is a cornerstone of a fair trial and provides a strong safeguard against wrongful convictions. This high standard places a substantial burden on the prosecution to prove every element of the alleged crime and helps protect the defendant's rights and liberties. The principle of "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" upholds the importance of justice and due process in the legal system. It emphasizes that it is better for a guilty person to go free than for an innocent person to be wrongly convicted. The standard of proof PAGE 14 Jury Selection The Presumption of Innocence Opening Statement On the next slide , we will discuss the crucial stage of the trial process - Jury Deliberations..

[Audio] Jury Deliberations The aim is to reach a unanimous decision, although in some cases, a mistrial may occur if the jury cannot agree on a unanimous verdict. and any notes or exhibits they've taken during the trial Reviewing the evidence Reviewing the Testimonies Jury Deliberations PAGE 15 opening statements The Presumption of Innocence The Standard of Proof Jury deliberations occur after the presentation of evidence, closing arguments, and the judge's instructions. During this phase, the jury meets in a private and confidential setting to discuss the case and reach a verdict. Jurors begin by….

[Audio] Jury Deliberations The deliberation process can be lengthy, and jurors must carefully consider the facts and the law. Confidentiality is paramount during jury deliberations to encourage open and honest discussions among jurors. Jurors are free to express their opinions and viewpoints without fear of repercussions, ensuring a fair and impartial decision-making process. Secrecy protects jurors from external influence and allows them to focus on the evidence and the law. It also maintains the integrity of the deliberation process and respects the privacy of jurors. Therefore, it is crucial that jurors maintain confidentiality during deliberations. PAGE 16 In the next slide we will discuss what happens after deliberations are made as the trial come to an end..

[Audio] Verdict A verdict refers to the formal decision or judgment reached by the jury at the end of a trial. It represents the jury's determination regarding the defendant's guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented during the trial and the instructions provided by the judge. The defendant is then subject to sentencing, which may include: fines, imprisonment, probation, or other penalties. Defendant -Not Guilty means they do not believe the prosecution has met the burden of proof required for a guilty verdict. Hung Trial may result if unanimity cannot be achieved, leading to a mistrial PAGE 17 Verdict Judge's Charge to the Jury Jury Deliberations The appropriate standard of Proof In case the jury finds the defendant guilty, it means they believe the prosecution has proven the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt… On the other hand, if the jury finds the defendant not guilty, it means they do not believe the prosecution has met the burden of proof required for a guilty verdict…. The defendant is acquitted and is not subject to criminal penalties for the charges in question. The jury plays a crucial role in delivering the verdict, as it represents the collective judgment of the jurors based on their review of the evidence and deliberations. Jurors must reach a unanimous decision in most criminal trials to render a verdict. In some cases, a hung jury may result if unanimity cannot be achieved, leading to a mistrial. The verdict is the culmination of the jury's responsibility to evaluate the case, apply the law as instructed by the judge, and make a fair and impartial determination of the defendant's guilt or innocence..

[Audio] Overview key aspects of the trial process, including: What a Criminal Trial is, The selection process of Jurors, the presumption of innocence, What an Opening Statements is, Presentation of Evidence, privilege against self-incrimination, the role of closing arguments, The Judges Charge to the Jury appropriate standard of proof, Jury Deliberations And delivering a Verdict PAGE 18 In this presentation we've covered various stages of a criminal trial, from selecting the jury to delivering the verdict. We have discussed key aspects of the trial process, including the presumption of innocence, privilege against self-incrimination, appropriate standard of proof, and the role of closing arguments. We have also emphasized the significance of a fair and impartial jury, the presentation of evidence, and the judge's instructions to ensure a just trial. It is important to reiterate that a fair and just criminal trial process is essential for a democratic society. It protects individual rights and liberties, ensures due process, and upholds the principles of justice. The legal system aims to strike a balance between the rights of the accused and the interests of justice. As we conclude, it is crucial to remember that the integrity of the criminal trial process is crucial to maintaining public trust in the legal system and ensuring that justice is served for all. I would like to thank you all for participating in this brief but informational lesson.

[Audio] References https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/jury/index.html#:~:text=The%20jury%20administrator%20shall%20randomly,source%20except%20the%20jury%20pool. https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/jury/index.html#_Toc60038695 https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/jury/index.html#_Toc60038715 https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/jury/index.html#_Toc60038716 https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/jury/index.html#_Toc60038721 https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/jury/index.html#_Toc60038724 https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/jury/index.html#_Toc60038723 https://www.in.gov/courts/rules/jury/index.html#_Toc60038724 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/testimonial-evidence-explained-with-definition-and-examples--667025394796257648/ https://study.com/academy/lesson/physical-evidence-definition-types-law.html https://t4.ftcdn.net/jpg/00/70/77/85/360_F_70778565_Aqaz8iJqtT5zW3hpz0LrKwIACklbLYML.jpg https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getyarn.io%2Fyarn-clip%2F1770ac44-7101-4d7b-a9a2-2c90b99f1ba9&psig=AOvVaw3s1EAK4Lg0jGoUSYmwZC1r&ust=1695593980390000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCOCo-YviwYEDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvsC_xElRnFU&psig=AOvVaw2ZpNbPn1t5lo4SGggEC_Nj&ust=1695593380138000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCMi1w93fwYEDFQAAAAAdAAAAABA4 https://www.ruleoflaw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Asset-15@2x.png https://legaldictionary.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jury.jpg Closing arguments highlight self-defense What is the privilege against self incrimination? https://study.com/academy/lesson/physical-evidence-definition-types-law.html Best Example of Opening Statement in Courtroom Presumption of Innocence in Criminal Trials Brown & Charbonneau, LLP - The Jury Selection Process https://d1ezysy26cbva4.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/87668032.jpg https://youtu.be/Ym6KOgNa6EI https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/attendees-bankruptcy-courtroom-awaiting-judgment_856290-712.jpg PAGE 19.