What is the process of a trial by jury in criminal cases?

A trial by jury is the process where a group of citizens, selected by the court, hear evidence presented by both the prosecuting and defense attorneys in a criminal case. In California, this process begins with the selection of a jury from a pool of individuals called "jurors." The court may excuse some potential jurors for various reasons, such as a person’s personal connections to the case or lack of impartiality. Once the jury is selected, the trial begins with opening statements from the prosecution and defense attorneys. The trial then proceeds with the attorneys presenting evidence to the jury, which may consist of witnesses, documents, and other items. The prosecution and defense take turns presenting and cross-examining evidence, with the judge being responsible for determining the relevancy of certain items. After both sides have finished presenting evidence, closing arguments are made. A closing argument is a summarization of the facts in the case by both the prosecution and defense. Following closing arguments, the judge gives instructions to the jury, which explains the law and how it applies to the case. Finally, the jury deliberates and renders a verdict. This verdict can be either guilty or not guilty. If the defendant is found guilty, sentencing may follow, and in some cases, the jury may be asked to determine the sentence. In California, the right to a trial by jury is protected by the Constitution. This means that a person accused of a criminal offense is entitled to a jury trial, and the jury must render a verdict based on the evidence presented.

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What is the process of a trial by jury in criminal cases?

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