What might be some reasons a prosecuting or defending attorney might dismiss a juror from a case?

For example, a juror can be dismissed for cause if he or she is a close relative of one of the parties or one of the lawyers, or if he or she works for a company that is part of the lawsuit. Each lawyer may request the dismissal of an unlimited number of jurors for cause.

What methods may an attorney use to remove biased jurors?

Prosecutors and defense attorneys can use an unlimited number of “cause” challenges to eliminate jurors who aren’t qualified, able, or fit to serve in the case. In using a cause challenge, the lawyer trying to remove a juror must give a reason to believe the juror won’t be able to reach a fair verdict.

What role does the judge play in maintaining order in the court during and outside of the trial?

The judge is the trier of law, meaning he or she ensures that everything happening in the courtroom follows the rules set down by the law. If a jury is not present in a court case, the judge becomes both the trier of fact and the trier of law.

What is the purpose of the judge’s summing up for the jury?

Summing a case up to the jury In summary, ‘a summing up should identify the issues that the jury are required to resolve, and then set out both the relevant legal directions and an appropriate summary of the evidence that goes to those issues’.

What is a trial lawyer requesting When they ask the judge to remove a potential juror for cause?

Strike for cause (also referred to as challenge for cause or removal for cause) is a method of eliminating potential members from a jury panel in the United States.

What type of challenge is appropriate for a biased juror?

A challenge for cause requires convincing a judge that a prospective juror has a bias that precludes impartiality; a peremptory challenge, on the other hand, affords attorneys tremendous leeway by allowing for the exclusion of jurors without explanation or evidence of potential impartiality.

How do judges prepare for a trial?

To prepare for trial, both sides will conduct discovery. During discovery, both parties gather all the information and evidence they will present in court. Both sides can take depositions of witnesses. Both parties can file pretrial motions, seeking rulings from the judge on certain issues.

What happens after summing up in court?

What is included in the judge’s summing-up? After closing speeches from the prosecution and defence and before the members of the jury retire to consider their verdict, the judge will sum-up the case to the jury. A summary of the evidence in the case, including the prosecution and defence cases.

What happens if a judge violates a court order?

Any Judge violating such undertakings loses jurisdiction, resulting in his orders being VOID, and he himself commits a treasonable offense against the United States.

What happens if a prosecutor reneges on a plea bargain?

If a prosecutor reneges on plea bargains, defendants may seek relief from the judge. The judge might let the defendant withdraw the guilty pleas, may force the prosecutor to follow the plea bargain, or may apply some other remedy.

When does a judge become a minister of his own prejudices?

When a judge acts intentionally and knowingly to deprive a person of his constitutional rights he exercises no discretion or individual judgment; he acts no longer as a judge, but as a ” minister” of his own prejudices. [386 U.S. 547, 568].

Are federal judges involved in plea bargaining?

Similarly, federal judges may not be directly involved in plea bargain negotiations. Although plea bargaining allows the criminal justice system to conserve resources, the plea bargains are controversial.