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

A jury trial in criminal cases is the process by which a jury hears evidence and decides whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty of a crime. In South Carolina, a jury trial begins with the selection of twelve jurors, plus one or two alternates. The jury must be made up of a fair and impartial cross-section of the community. Next, the judge will provide the jury with instructions on the law to be applied to the case and the jurors will be allowed to ask questions so they can better understand the legal concepts. The prosecution and defense will then present their cases. The prosecution will go first, and call witnesses to testify. The defense can then cross-examine these witnesses. The defense will then present its own witnesses or evidence, and the prosecution can cross-examine them. Finally, the judge will provide the jury with final instructions and the jury will then begin the process of deliberation. During deliberations, the jury considers the facts and evidence presented to decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Once the jury reaches a verdict, the court will read it out and the jury trial will be concluded. If the defendant is found guilty, sentencing will take place at a later date. If the defendant is found not guilty, the charges will be dropped and the defendant will be free to go.

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

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