Chapter 15 Common Law and the Jury System

Understanding the U.S. Legal System

Philosophical Foundations of Justice

• The legal system reflects a country's history and culture, raising philosophical questions about justice.

• A key question posed: Is it better for guilty individuals to go free than to unjustly punish an innocent person?

• Another critical question: Should a person be considered guilty until proven innocent, or innocent until proven guilty?

• In the U.S., the prevailing belief is that it's preferable to let guilty people go free rather than punish innocents unjustly.

• The guiding principle in the U.S. legal system is "innocent until proven guilty."

Common Law vs. Civil Law

• The U.S. legal system is rooted in common law, which differs from civil law systems prevalent in many countries.

• Civil law relies on written codes; judges consult these codes to determine guilt or innocence.

• Common law evolves through case precedents; judges consider past court decisions alongside written laws.

• The right to trial by jury is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, involving ordinary citizens in verdict decisions.

Types of Trials and Their Differences

• Civil trials address disputes between private parties, while criminal trials involve government prosecution of accused individuals.

• In criminal cases, defendants are not required to testify; the burden of proof lies with the government.

• Conviction in criminal cases requires proof "beyond a reasonable doubt," reflecting higher stakes compared to civil trials.

Roles of Judges and Juries

• Judges ensure trials adhere to legal standards and manage admissibility of evidence; juries assess testimony validity and evidence credibility.

• Example: O.J. Simpson's criminal trial resulted in acquittal, but he was later found liable in a civil suit for damages.

Critiques of the Jury System

• While many support juries, criticisms include selection processes and potential emotional decision-making over factual analysis.

• Concerns exist regarding jurors' qualifications for understanding complex legal issues; hung juries necessitate retrials.

Conclusion on Legal Cases

What Are the Mechanisms of Settling Civil and Criminal Cases?

Overview of Case Settlements

• In civil cases, disputes are often settled out of court with the assistance of lawyers, while in criminal cases, accused individuals frequently engage in plea bargaining.

• Plea bargaining involves the accused pleading guilty to a lesser crime, which is permitted due to the high volume of civil and criminal cases that would otherwise overwhelm the courts.

• By agreeing to plead guilty, trials can be avoided, saving time and resources for both the state and the accused.

Implications for Accused Individuals

• For defendants, accepting a plea bargain may result in a less severe sentence compared to going through a trial and potentially being found guilty.