Jury Trial Essay Example for Free

Jury Trial Essay On June 19, 1994 O.J Simpson the football hall of famer was arrested in California for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Simpson was arraigned in court two day later he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was held in the Los Angeles County jail. Jury selection began in October and the jury was sworn in on November 2, 1994. Mr. Simpson did have a jury of his peers, because the jury was twelve jurors some African American and white. The jurors were picked through the voir dire process. With each juror understanding that they could not have any personal bias pertaining to the case. A series of question were asked to the jurors to determine if the potential jurors had exposure to the context of the case. In the pretrial hear the credibility of evidence from detective Mark Fuhrman would be admitted at trial. Prosecutors said that they thought Mr. Simpson dropped the glove as he tried to quickly return to his home after committing the murders. Opening Statements In the opening statements the defense and the prosecution has the opportunity to present their case to the jury. Throughout the opening statements persuasive arguments are announced. During the opening statement evidence is never allowed. Judge Lance A. Ito presided over the case and on January 24, 1995. Before things got going, Judge Ito ruled that Simpson would not be heard by the jury until the defense gives the opening statements. The defense opening statements were lead by attorney Johnnie Cochran when said my client Mr. Simpson is innocent and wrongfully accused. Witness Testimony Eye witness an expert testimony helps reveal specific truths and accuracy in evidence. The Court bailiff will swear all witnesses to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Normally the prosecution questions their own witnesses to strengthen their side of the case. The defense then has the chance to cross examine. All evidence will be logged a numbered whether scientific or physical. The defense attorney and the prosecutor have the right to object to any evidence or testimony provided. There is no guarantee that the evidence will be stricken by the judge. Kato Kaelin, which was O.J Simsons friend that lived on Mr. Simpson’s property. Detective Mark Furhman was for the prosecution who had lied on the witness stand during questioning. Furhmans testimony could not be trusted by the jury. Closing Arguments After all the evidence and testimony is heard this step of the trial is called rest. Next the court case proceeds to closing arguments. This is the last time both side will be able to address the jury before deliberation. The closing arguments are very similar to the opening statements. Both sides try to convince the jury to decide in their favor. Both sides present a summary of key points that favor their client. At this point the defense team only needs to convince the jury that prosecution did not prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt (2012). Jury Instructions After the closing arguments are complete the jury is charged by the judge with instructions. The judge explains that the jurors’ decision should not be made because of bias feelings or personal beliefs but that decisions based on the law and evidence during the case. The judge specifies specific details that the jury needs to find the defendant guilty. Deliberation During the deliberation the jury is held together as a group until a verdict is made. Deliberation can take hours, days even weeks to come up with a verdict. If the jury can’t come to a verdict it is called mistrial in most states. On October 3, 1995 at 10 am a verdict of not guilty for the murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman was rendered by jurors. A man was set free with most of the world thinking he committed the murdered.