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

In South Carolina, a criminal trial by jury begins with selecting a jury. A jury is made up of twelve people who have been selected to serve on the case. Prospective jurors are selected from a list of individuals from the local county. The names on the list are chosen randomly from voter registration and driver’s license records. Once a jury is selected, the court will open with an introduction of both the plaintiff (the government) and the defendant (the accused). This is followed by the swearing-in of the jurors, where they vow to uphold the law and be unbiased in their decision-making. The plaintiff is then given the opportunity to present their case. Evidence such as witness testimony, documents, photographs, and other items that may support the plaintiff’s case are presented. The defense is given the same opportunity to present their case. Once both the plaintiff and defense have presented their case, the jury will then be instructed on the law and evidence before it is sent away to deliberate. During deliberations, the jury will discuss the evidence presented and apply the law to the facts of the case to come to a decision. Once the jury reaches a verdict, they will present it to the judge who will make the final decision on the matter. If the verdict is guilty, the defendant is then sentenced by the court. If the defendant is found to be innocent, they are released from custody.

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

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