Criminal Jury Charge Workshop 2021
This online skills-based seminar focused on the preparation of jury instructions in criminal cases, requiring participants to craft jury instructions in response to the issues raised in a hypothetical attempted murder trial scenario.
Number of Participants: 44
Overview
This online skills-based seminar focused on the preparation of jury instructions in criminal cases, requiring participants to craft jury instructions in response to the issues raised in a hypothetical attempted murder trial scenario.
Objective
The objective of this seminar was to provide judges assigned to criminal jury cases the skills needed to prepare legally correct, yet concise, plain-language jury instructions.
Summary
In this hands-on, intensive seminar, participants drafted instructions at all stages of a jury trial, from jury selection and opening remarks, through the presentation of evidence, to the final charge and responses to questions from the jury. Participants worked in small groups led by experienced judicial faculty, who offered feedback and advice. Issues addressed included: procedure and instructions on a challenge for cause; management of the voir dire when a witness recants; content of necessary instruction to the jury; and problems during jury deliberations.