Discussion on Post-Conviction Process – Sentencing and Appeals

Order Description

Answer each question.
1. Most states require unanimous decisions with the idea that a verdict has a greater chance of being correct if all jurors (whether 6 or 12 jurors) vote to convict. The exception states are Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Texas; where NON-unanimous verdicts are allowed. A guilt determination can be made by the majority vote, even if not unanimous. Some would argue if a juror [or multiple jurors comprising the minority vote] is unconvinced, then reasonable doubt may exist! Does a non-unanimous jury verdict REALLY establish proof beyond a reasonable doubt? Which side of this debate do you support? Why?
2. There are THREE key times or phases during the court process, that the defense attorney may influence the defendant’s trial outcome. They are:
I. The discovery phase
II. During plea bargaining negotiations
II. During the voir dire process
Select and discuss ONE of the above key times and how the defense attorney would accomplish or assert any influence on the trial process- best down by use of an example.
3. The court is interested in conducting a fair trial and protecting the rights of both the defendant and victims. How does this come into conflict in our social media world.
Using the following as a reference: Meyer, J. F., & Grant, D. R. (2003). The courts in our criminal justice system. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.