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

A jury trial is a key part of the criminal justice process in Texas. A jury trial allows for a group of citizens from the local community to decide if an individual should be held responsible for the crime they are charged with. The jury trial is respected for its tradition of accountability and impartiality. The process begins when the defendant is filed with an indictment or information by a grand jury. The defendant then pleads “guilty” or “not guilty” to the crime they are charged with. If the plea is “not guilty”, a jury selection process begins. A pool of potential jurors is called to the courtroom and then questioned by the judge and attorneys representing each side. This process, called voir dire, consists of questions to determine who should sit on the jury. Once the jury is selected, the trial proceeds. This typically involves opening and closing arguments from both sides, the calling of witnesses to testify, and the introduction of evidence. Following all the testimony and evidence, the judge then gives instructions to the jury about the law and how to apply it to the facts of the case. Lastly, the jury deliberates in private to decide if the defendant is “guilty” or “not guilty”. The decision is based on whether the jury believes the prosecutor has provided enough evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to prove the defendant’s guilt. The jury will cast a verdict, and then the judge will impose a sentence if the defendant is found guilty. Overall, the jury trial process in Texas relies heavily on the jurors’ thoughtful and conscientious decisions. The jury trial is an essential part of the criminal justice system that ensures citizens’ rights are upheld.

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

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