Contra Costa California Competence — Unanimous Verdict is a legal framework that applies to criminal trials in Contra Costa County, California. It pertains to the requirement of a unanimous decision from the jury regarding the guilt or innocence of the defendant. This principle ensures that all jurors are in agreement on the verdict, providing a higher level of certainty and fairness in the criminal justice system. The Competence — Unanimous Verdict principle is an essential component of a fair trial, as it ensures that any doubts or concerns raised by individual jurors must be resolved through discussions and deliberations. This requirement promotes thoroughness and accountability in the decision-making process, aiming to prevent any potential biases or prejudices from influencing the final verdict. In Contra Costa County, there are different types of Competence — Unanimous Verdict that apply to specific cases. These include: 1. Criminal Trials: In criminal cases, the Competence — Unanimous Verdict principle applies to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. All 12 jurors must agree on a verdict to either convict or acquit the defendant. If the jury fails to reach a unanimous decision, it may result in a mistrial, and the case might be retried with a new jury. 2. Sentencing Trials: In certain situations, such as in capital punishment cases where the death penalty is a potential sentence, a separate sentencing trial may be conducted. During this trial, the Competence — Unanimous Verdict principle also applies to determine whether the prescribed penalty shall be imposed. In such cases, all jurors must agree to impose the death penalty. 3. Civil Trials: While the Competence — Unanimous Verdict principle primarily applies to criminal trials, there can be instances in civil trials where a unanimous decision is required. Some complex civil cases, such as those involving high-stakes disputes or significant damages, may necessitate a unanimous verdict from the jury. The Competence — Unanimous Verdict principle in Contra Costa California underscores the importance of collective decision-making and promotes the fair administration of justice. It ensures that each juror has the opportunity to express their views, consider all the evidence presented, and engage in meaningful deliberations with fellow jurors to arrive at a just verdict.