Order of Events at a Trial

Process of a Trial Jury

Selection

Cases will usually be heard by juries of 6 or 12 jurors. A larger group, called a panel, will be sent to the trial court (courtroom) where the jurors will be questioned under the supervision of the judge. A juror may be excused from the panel if it is shown that the juror cannot act impartially concerning the case to be heard. Each side is allowed to remove a given number of jurors from the panel without having to show any reason. However, a juror may not be removed because of his or her race or gender. The trial jury will be the first 6 or 12 of the remaining jurors on the panel.

Voir Dire

Voir Dire is a way for the parties to select a fair and impartial jury. Under the justice system, you may be questioned by each of the lawyers before they decide to remove a certain number of jurors from the jury panel. For example, the lawyer may ask you questions to see if you are connected to the trial or if you have any prejudice or bias toward anyone in the trial. These questions are not intended to embarrass you, but rather to help the lawyers in the jury selection process. You may ask the judge to allow you to answer some questions away from the other jurors.

Individual Voir Dire

This is the juror's opportunity to let the court know of military obligations, issues with sequestration, or any future event that could potentially conflict with participating in a jury panel.

Opening Statements

Opening statements introduce the case to the jury. The lawyer for each side may explain the case, the evidence it will present, and the issues for you to decide.

Presentation of Evidence

The evidence consists of the testimony of witnesses and the exhibits allowed by the judge. Exhibits admitted into evidence will be available to the jury for examination during deliberations. You have a right to ask for them. You will be asked to make decisions regarding disputed facts; therefore, your attention at all times is critically important. Juror note-taking or the submission of questions by jurors to witnesses will be determined by the judge.

Ruling by the Judge

The judge may be asked to decide questions of law during the trial. Occasionally, the judge may ask jurors to leave the courtroom while the lawyers make their legal arguments. The jurors should understand that such interruptions are needed to make sure that their verdict is based upon proper evidence, as determined by the judge under the Rules of Evidence. You may give the evidence whatever weight you consider appropriate. Texas Law requires investigation and hearings about proof of any violation of the rules of jury conduct. Jurors and others may be called to testify in open court or in chambers about acts of jury misconduct. I caution you to follow carefully all instructions which I have given you, as well as others which you later receive while this case is on trial.

Closing Arguments

After the Charge of the Court, the lawyers have the opportunity to summarize the evidence in their closing arguments and to try to persuade the jury to accept their client's view of the case.

Deliberation and Verdict

Following closing arguments, the jury is sent to deliberate. When the jury has answered the questions asked of them, they shall return their verdict. The verdict must be based solely on the evidence presented by the parties, the charge of the court, and the rules of law provided by the judge.

You have the right to communicate with the judge regarding any matters affecting your deliberations, including but not limited to:

• Physical comfort
• Special needs
• Any questions regarding evidence
• The charge of the court

During deliberation, if it becomes necessary to communicate with the judge, the bailiff or the officer of the court will deliver jurors' notes to the judge. This information is not intended to take the place of the instruction given by the judge in any case. In the event of conflict, the judge's instructions will prevail.

Afterward

After you are discharged from jury service, you are released from the obligation of secrecy. You will then be free to discuss the case and your deliberations with anyone. However, you are also free to decline to discuss the case and your deliberations if you wish.

When in Doubt, Ask the Judge!