Trial Process Quiz

Of the following, what may happen following a guilty verdict in a criminal case?

• U.S. Court of Appeals asks to review the case.

• The criminal case becomes a civil case.

• The defendant appeals the case to a higher court.

• The U.S. Supreme Court automatically reviews the case.

Which statement describes a proper role for a jury in the administration of justice?

• The jurors authorize government officials to arrest their political opponents at a time of national crisis.

• After an accused person is convicted of a crime, the jurors decide on what should be the appropriate punishment for the accused.

• After hearing evidence at trial, the jurors decide whether it is beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime.

• After examining the record of an earlier trial, the jurors decide whether the law was applied correctly to the case or whether the case should be retried.

Which step completes the timeline?

• Legislative body decides if accused should be punished.

• Judge determines innocence or guilt of the accused.

• Accused receives public trial before jury of peers.

• Court of Appeals decides main facts of the case.

Why are juries significant to the American legal system?

• They generally have a bias against those persons accused of a crime.

• They decide whether there are grounds for appealing a decision.

• They interpret what the law means in specific situations.

• They help support fairness during the trial process.

If Mary is tried for theft, who decides if she is guilty of the crime?

• The trial judge.

• A jury of peers.

• The district attorney.

• The Court of Appeals.

All trials have juries

• True

• False

How many people are typically on a jury?

• 9

• 12

• 7

• 11