Frank Walker Law
  • Home
  • Attorney Profile
  • Criminal Defense
  • Personal Injury
  • Testimonials
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Contact Us
  • Call Today

    Call Today

  • Email Us

  • Our Map

  • Menu

    Home
    Attorney Profile
    Criminal Defense
    Personal Injury
    Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Blog
    Case Results
    Excessive Force
    Have You Been Arrested?
    Legal Tips
    Media Center
    Testimonials
    Video Center
    Free Legal Evaluation
    Employment Opportunities
    Contact Us
    Site Map
Call To Schedule An Appointment 412.212.3878 Phones Answered 24/7 West Virginia Criminal Defense Attorney
  • Best Law Firms in Americal
  • National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40
  • National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • American Association of Attorneys: Premier DUI
  • National Black Lawyers: Top 100
  • National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • Global Law Experts
  • Rue Ratings: Best Attorneys of America
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • American Institue of Criminal Law Attorneys: 10 Best 2015 Client Satisfaction
  • National College for DUI Defense
Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Blog 2016 May It's More Than Just a Duty, It's Your Right! The Role of the Jury In a Criminal Case
Previous Post  |  Next Post

It's More Than Just a Duty, It's Your Right! The Role of the Jury In a Criminal Case

Posted By Frank Walker Law || 19-May-2016

One of the best and most important rights guaranteed by our great country is the right to a trial by jury enshrined in the Constitution. Despite this right being hundreds of years old, many people are confused as to what their role as jurors are and what they are supposed to do as a juror in a criminal case.

The judge in a criminal case is seen as the trier of law. The judge is the one who decides the law applicable and explains the rules to the jury. The role of the juror is to be the trier of fact. This means that it is up to the jury to decide what facts are true, what facts are false, which witnesses are credible, and which witnesses are not to be believed.

The reason why we have trials by jury is to protect the accused against government overreach. By allowing for a trial by jury, other citizens of the Commonwealth get to sit in judgment of the Commonwealth’s case. If and only if the Commonwealth’s case is proven beyond a reasonable doubt should you cast judgment on your fellow man.

Though both attorneys for the Commonwealth and the defense will be presenting compelling stories complete with their own theories of the case and compelling imagery, it is important to remember that a trial is not a storytelling contest. It is not up to the jury to determine which story is the most plausible or probable. Instead, the role of the jury is to assess the facts set forth by the Commonwealth. Did the Commonwealth prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt? That is the important question. There is no burden on the defense to prove anything.

Jury selection is an important part of any criminal trial. Jurors receive questionnaires in the mail with some basic form questions about their demographics and attitudes towards law enforcement and the trial system. Both the defense and the Commonwealth have access to these questionnaires. However, that is just the surface, and in choosing a good jury panel a competent attorney will want to know more. This is accomplished through a process known as voir dire, French for “to see, to speak” A good attorney wants to get to know who their potential jurors are (or at least find out as much as the judge will permit)!

Choosing a good jury is partially a matter of luck as to who is in the potential jury pool, and a matter of skill and experience in knowing what type of person makes a good juror. You want an open minded juror who will listen to the evidence and weigh it fairly, instead of someone close-minded who may judge you guilty before opening argument even begins. That’s why you need a good attorney to help you choose the people who will decide your case. Attorney Frank Walker is here to help. With years of experience in selecting juries and arguing jury trials, Attorney Walker can help you choose a favorable jury, and then fight for you to win their hearts and minds at trial. With offices in Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, WV, Walker Law can be reached 24/7. Call us now at (412) 532.6805 for the Pittsburgh Office, and (304) 712-2089 for our office in Morgantown.

Categories: Criminal Defense

Share Post

Recent Posts

  • Why do we Need Bail Reform in our Cirminal Justice System?
  • Should you represent yourself in a Criminal Case?
  • Why do we need Criminal Justice Reform?
  • Why you need a personal injury attorney
  • The Dangers of Reckless Driving
  • Danger of Drunk Driving
  • 5 Reasons why College Students Need a Clean Criminal Record
  • Dangers of Underage Drinking in Pennnsylvania

Criminal Defense

How Can We Help You?

  • Do I Need A Criminal Defense Attorney?
  • Not from Pittsburgh?
  • Appeals
  • Criminal Defense FAQ
  • Arrest Warrants
  • Bail Bond Hearings
  • Bench Warrants
  • Casino Crimes
  • Conspiracy
  • Drug Crimes
  • DUI
  • Expungements
  • Fake ID
  • Federal Crimes
  • Grading Offenses
  • Internet Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Kidnapping
  • Perjury
  • Pittsburgh College University Students
  • Preliminary Hearings
  • Probation Violations
  • Property Crimes
  • Prostitution and Promoting Prostitution
  • Public Urination
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Sex Crimes
  • Stages of Criminal Court
  • Summary Offenses
  • Theft Crimes
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Underage Drinking
  • Violent Crimes
  • Weapons - Firearms
  • Washington County

Contact Us Today

Request your free, confidential case analysis.

Send
My
Info
  • Home
  • Site Map
  • Nav Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
Frank Walker Law

Call Today (412) 212-3878

Frank Walker Law - Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer
3000 Lewis Run Road, Clairton, PA 15025 View Map
Main (412) 212-3878
Local (412) 315-7441
Website: http://www.frankwalkerlaw.com/
© 2023 All Rights Reserved.
Internet Marketing Experts