This “House of Law” episode, Ramos Law Attorney Russell Araya explores the intricacies of “How Do Criminal Trials Work?”, breaks down the complex process of a criminal trial from start to verdict. The video explains the differences between a bench trial (where only the judge decides) and a jury trial (where the jury decides), and covers the key phases. These include jury selection (known as voir dire), the opening statements from both sides, the presentation of the prosecution’s case and the defense’s case, and the closing arguments. Finally, the process of jury deliberation and the possible verdicts—guilty, not guilty (acquittal), or a hung jury—are detailed. The video emphasizes the prosecution’s burden to prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Key Insights
This video provides an overview of how criminal trials work, from the initial plea to the verdict. Here are the key insights:
- Trial Types: There are two main types of criminal trials:
- Bench Trial: The trial is heard solely by a judge, who acts as both the arbiter of law and the decider of facts.
- Jury Trial: The trial is heard by a jury of citizens who determine the facts of the case, while the judge oversees legal proceedings.
- Plea Options: Before a trial begins, the defendant can enter one of three pleas:
- Guilty: The defendant admits to the charges.
- Not Guilty: The defendant denies the charges, leading to a trial.
- No Contest: The defendant accepts conviction without admitting guilt.
- Phases of a Criminal Trial:
- Jury Selection (Voir Dire): Prospective jurors are questioned by both sides to ensure impartiality.
- Opening Statements: Both the prosecution and defense present their cases to the jury, outlining what they intend to prove.
- People’s Case (Prosecution’s Case): The prosecution presents evidence and calls witnesses to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Defense’s Case: The defense presents its own evidence and witnesses, aiming to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case or establish an affirmative defense.
- Closing Arguments: Both sides summarize their evidence and arguments to persuade the jury.
- Jury Deliberation: The jury retires to weigh the evidence and decide on a verdict.
- Verdict: The jury announces their decision, which can be:
- Guilty: The defendant is convicted.
- Not Guilty (Acquitted): The defendant is found not guilty and is released.
- Hung Jury: The jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a mistrial.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the different types of criminal trials?
- There are two main types of criminal trials:
- Bench Trial: This is a trial where a judge alone decides the outcome of the case without a jury.
- Jury Trial: This involves a jury of the defendant’s peers who hear the case and deliver a verdict.
- There are two main types of criminal trials:
- What happens after the trial begins?
- The trial begins with opening statements from both sides, where the prosecutor presents their case first, followed by the defense.
- Next, the prosecution presents its evidence and calls witnesses, a process called “People’s Case.” The prosecution “rests” when they cease presenting evidence.
- After the prosecution rests, the defense presents its case, which includes calling witnesses and introducing evidence.
- How does a trial conclude?
- Once both sides have presented their evidence, they deliver closing arguments.
- Following closing arguments, the judge reads instructions to the jury (if it’s a jury trial). These instructions guide the jury on how to apply the law to the facts presented.
- What are the possible outcomes of a criminal trial?
- The possible outcomes depend on the trial type:
- Jury Trial: The jury delivers a verdict of either guilty or not guilty.
- Bench Trial: The judge delivers a verdict of either guilty or not guilty.
- If a defendant is found not guilty, they are “acquitted,” meaning the case is over and they cannot be retried for the same crime due to double jeopardy.
- If a defendant is found guilty, the case moves to the sentencing phase, where the judge determines the appropriate punishment.
- The possible outcomes depend on the trial type: