How do alternate jurors work?

How do alternate jurors work?

An alternate juror is a person selected in the same manner all other jurors are selected. The alternate juror also sits in a court and listens to the proceedings of a case. An alternate juror can function as a jury member until the jury receives the case and goes for deliberation.

What is an alternate juror?

a juror who is selected in the same manner as a regular juror and hears the evidence in a case along with the regular jurors, but does not help decide the case unless called upon to replace a regular juror. Source: Federal Judicial Center.

Why do criminal trials generally have 12 jurors and 2 alternate jurors?

One primary reason why today’s juries tend to have 12 people is that the Welsh king Morgan of Gla-Morgan, who established jury trials in 725 A.D., decided upon the number, linking the judge and jury to Jesus and his Twelve Apostles. “It’s their sense of how big a jury should be to ensure proper deliberation.”

How many alternate jurors are there?

(1) In General. The court may impanel up to 6 alternate jurors to replace any jurors who are unable to perform or who are disqualified from performing their duties.

Do Alternate jurors sit in on deliberations?

Alternate jurors are selected in some cases to take the place of jurors who may become ill during the trial. Alternate jurors hear the evidence just as the other jurors do, but they don’t participate in the deliberations unless they replace an original juror.

How does the role of an alternate juror differ from that of a regular juror?

Do alternate jurors hear the verdict?

How many alternate jurors were there in the OJ Simpson trial?

twelve alternates
The case was appointed the standard twelve jurors and had twelve alternates assigned to it, but at one point, so many alternates were being called upon to fill in that it seemed like they’d run out faster than jurors were being dismissed in the months long proceedings.

What does jury Nullification mean?

A jury’s knowing and deliberate rejection of the evidence or refusal to apply the law either because the jury wants to send a message about some social issue that is larger than the case itself, or because the result dictated by law is contrary to the jury’s sense of justice, morality, or fairness.

How many alternate jurors are there in California?

Jury selection During this process, the parties attempt to find twelve jurors (and sometimes alternate jurors) 10 on which they agree. An important part of jury selection involves asking the court to dismiss certain candidates.

How do lawyers pick jurors?

Lawyers and judges select juries by a process known as “voir dire,” which is Latin for “to speak the truth.” In voir dire, the judge and attorneys for both sides ask potential jurors questions to determine if they are competent and suitable to serve in the case.

How many OJ jurors write books?

The O.J. Simpson trial was so big it apparently needed two books written by former jurors. While panned by critics, the curiously titled Madam Foreman: A Rush to Judgment? could shed some light on how Simpson was acquitted.

How are alternate jurors selected for a trial?

The process of questioning and excusing jurors continues until 12 persons are accepted as jurors for the trial. Alternate jurors may also be selected. The judge and attorneys agree that these jurors are qualified to decide impartially and intelligently the factual issues in the case.

How many people serve on a federal jury?

In the federal courts, 12 individuals sit for criminal cases, along with an additional one to six alternate jurors. Federal civil cases convene with six to 12 jurors. Alternate jurors are not selected for civil cases. On the state and local levels, the specific court rules govern the amount of jurors for each case.

How many jurors are needed in a civil case?

In a civil case, the judge will tell you how many jurors must agree in order to reach a verdict. In a criminal case, the unanimous agreement of all 12 jurors is required.

Can a court retain an alternate juror after the jury retires?

An alternate juror who replaces a juror has the same authority as the other jurors. (3) Retaining Alternate Jurors. The court may retain alternate jurors after the jury retires to deliberate. The court must ensure that a retained alternate does not discuss the case with anyone until that alternate replaces a juror or is discharged.