This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
Generally speaking, if there are no factual issues in dispute, a court trial would serve you well. When there are disputed facts, you normally have a better chance convincing a jury than a judge to see things your way. Remember, a jury is strictly the finder of facts in a trial.
In a wide variety of civil cases, either side is entitled under the Constitution to request a jury trial. If the parties waive their right to a jury, then a judge without a jury will hear the case.
Amendment Seven to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791. It protects the right for citizens to have a jury trial in federal courts with civil cases where the claim exceeds a certain dollar value. It also prohibits judges in these trials from overruling facts revealed by the jury.
In civil trials, both the plaintiff and the defendant have the constitutional right to a jury trial. Civil juries consist of no fewer than six and no more than 12 members, not including alternate jurors. All verdicts must be unanimous, unless the parties agree otherwise – an option not available in criminal cases.
Any party may demand a trial by jury of any issue triable of right by a jury by (1) serving upon the other parties a demand therefor in writing at any time after the commencement of the action and not later than 10 days after the service of the last pleading directed to such issue, and (2) filing the demand as required ...
At a defendant's arraignment, if they enter a "not guilty" plea, there will be several pretrial trial proceedings designed to resolve the case. If a plea bargain is not reached, then the case will proceed to trial.
In a civil trial, five out of six jurors are needed to return a verdict in favor of one party or the other. When 12 jurors deliberate in a civil trial, 10 jurors are needed to return a verdict. In a criminal case the verdict must be unanimous.
CRIMINAL TRIAL PROCESS STEPS Selecting a jury. Opening statements. Witness testimonies and cross-examination. Closing arguments. Jury instruction. Deliberation and verdict.
631. (a) The right to a trial by jury as declared by Section 16 of Article I of the California Constitution shall be preserved to the parties inviolate. In civil cases, a jury may only be waived pursuant to subdivision (f).
What's the difference between a Jury Trial and a Court Trial? In a jury trial, the decision of guilt or innocence is decided by either 6 or 12 citizens who listen to the evidence and make the decision. In a court trial, there is no jury present. The judge listens to the evidence and makes the decision.