Procedures of the Justice System (12)

If the witness objects to taking an oath, the trial judge may:

• disqualify the witness.

• order the witness to take an oath.

• allow the witness to make an affirmation.

• gag the witness.

The judge has the responsibility of instructing the jury in a language that is:

• requested by the defendant.

• required by statute.

• understood by a majority of the jurors.

• clear and understandable.

Direct examination means:

• asking witnesses direct questions.

• questioning by the side that called the witness.

• asking questions to which a direct answer must be given.

• directing or leading the witness toward the answer desired.

The following persons may be present in the jury room during deliberations.

• The judge and jurors only

• The jurors and the attorneys

• The jurors only

• The marshal and the jurors

A leading question is one which:

• indicates the answer desired.

• leads into the next question.

• leads the jury to believe the witness will answer truthfully.

• is used mostly during direct examination.

How long the jury may deliberate on a case before reaching a verdict depends on:

• how convincing the evidence may have been.

• how much the jurors believed the defendant.

• how much time the judge gives them.

• how good the attorneys were.

If a defendant does not take the stand in his or her own behalf:

• it means that he or she is guilty.

• his or her failure to do so may not be commented on by the prosecution.

• it means that he or she has no defense.

• it means that his or her alibi defense has failed to materialize.

Which of the statements below is correct regarding comments by the judge on the evidence?

• States differ in permitting a judge to comment on the evidence.

• All states allow the judge to comment on the strength of the evidence.

• No state allows the judge to comment on the strength of the evidence.

• Any comment by the judge must be made before the evidence is entered into the trial.

When the judge sustains an objection to a question, it means:

• that the question may be answered.

• that the question should not be answered.

• that the witness must wait until the judge makes up his or her mind.

• that the witness is in contempt of court.

The duties of the foreperson include:

• providing instructions on the appropriate law that applies to the case.

• advising the officer in charge that the jury has a question.

• reporting to the judge regarding the present status of all votes taken.

• All of the above.