The right to a jury trial is guaranteed to every citizen by the United States Constitution. This right was established as part of the Bill of Rights and has since been reaffirmed in the Arizona constitution. The right to a jury trial is a fundamental right that ensures all citizens have access to justice and a fair trial.
What is a Jury Trial?
At its core, the right to a jury trial grants citizens the right to have their case heard before a jury of their peers. This right provides individuals with a fair and impartial review of the evidence and testimony presented in the case. The jury is composed of individuals from the community who have no vested interest in the trial’s outcome and are tasked with weighing the evidence and deciding the defendant’s fate.
The right to a jury trial is presented in the Arizona constitution. According to the constitution, “for the determination of civil causes and matters in which a jury demand has been entered, and for the trial of criminal causes, a trial jury shall be drawn and summoned from the body of the county, as provided by law” (Arizona Constitution Article VI § 17). This right remains inviolate unless waived by parties with the court’s consent.
Why is a Jury Trial Important?
The right to a jury trial is essential to the American justice system. It guarantees an individual the right to have their case heard by a panel of their peers instead of a single judge. A jury trial helps to ensure that the defendant is not unjustly or unfairly judged. It also allows multiple sources to consider evidence and testimony, which can help to ensure that a verdict is more accurate and just.
Arizona Rules and Procedures of a Jury Trial
The state of Arizona has established specific rules and procedures to ensure that jury trials are conducted fairly and efficiently to guarantee the defendant’s rights. For example, to be selected for a jury, a person must meet several qualifications, such as being a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age, and a resident of Arizona. Juries are also selected randomly from a pool of qualified citizens, and jury members must take an oath to be fair and impartial.
Types of Jury Trials in Arizona
There are two types of jury trials in Arizona: civil and criminal.
Civil Jury Trial
A civil jury trial is conducted when two parties have a dispute that cannot be resolved without a formal judgment. This type of trial is often the result of a contract dispute, a personal injury, or some other civil matter that needs to be settled through the court system.
During the civil case trial, both sides will present their evidence and make their case to a jury of six to twelve individuals. The jury will then make a decision based on the evidence presented and the judge’s instructions.
Criminal Jury Trial
A criminal jury trial begins when the prosecutor files charges against the defendant. Charges are filed by presenting evidence to a grand jury, which then decides whether to indict the defendant. If the grand jury decides to indict the defendant, the defendant is arraigned in court, and a date is set for the jury trial.
At a criminal case trial, both the prosecution and defense present evidence to support their respective cases. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense has the opportunity to demonstrate that the defendant did not commit the crime or that the prosecution has not proven the defendant’s guilt. Once both sides have presented their evidence, the jury deliberates and reaches either a guilty or not guilty verdict.
A Tucson Law Firm You Can Trust
The experienced attorneys at Grabb & Durando have fought for our clients for over 29 years. We have extensive experience with personal injury and criminal law cases. Whether you were involved in a car accident or facing charges of driving under the influence (DUI), our personal injury and criminal defense lawyers will aggressively defend your rights.
