How does the judge in your trial affect your case?

The judge that proceeds over your trial will have a significant impact on your case. You may want to research the judge you have been assigned long before your case begins and possibly go into their courtroom and watch how they handle issues.

How can I get a judge removed from my case?

If you have asked the judge to reconsider their rulings and still think the judge should be removed, you, or your attorney, will follow the applicable procedure outlining how to get a judge removed in the jurisdiction where your case is proceeding.

Can a judge in California be removed for cause?

Each party is entitled to one peremptory challenge to remove a judge. The other option in California is to ask to remove a judge from your case for cause. When presenting a challenge for cause the party making the request must provide specific evidence showing that the judge should be disqualified because they have:

How does a judge make a sentencing decision?

Making sentencing decisions based upon sentencing guidelines. In the case of trial judges, the judge has the responsibility for instructing a jury, if one is chosen, and for making decisions regarding what evidence is admissible and what parties may testify. However, in a serious criminal trial, it is the jury, not the judge, who renders a verdict.

How is a peremptory challenge used in jury service?

The judge must agree with the cause cited for the challenge before the juror is released. Peremptory: Each side has a certain number of challenges that can be used to excuse a juror without giving a reason. The judge must excuse the juror in question if a peremptory challenge is issued. This does not mean that the juror is incompetent in any way.

What happens if a judge orders a jury to be sequestered?

If a judge orders a jury to be sequestered, the jurors will be housed together in a hotel and prevented from contacting anyone outside of the court. This is very seldom done and when it is, it is for protection of the jurors from influence by the media or threats by outside parties.

What do you mean by instruction of law in jury service?

None of this information is to be regarded as instruction of law to be applied by jurors for a case in which they serve. The judge will instruct the jury in each separate case as to the law that applies. Acquittal : Judgment that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

When do jurors have to agree to a verdict?

In other words, each and every member of a given jury must agree in order to acquit or convict the defendant. Before the Ramos decision (decided in 2020), there wasn’t a universal right to a unanimous verdict.